East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman Dekow has condemned remarks by Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa likening Kenya’s newly introduced police uniform to a ‘dera’.

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Dekow said the comparison was disrespectful to women and communities that proudly identify with the traditional attire.

Speaking in Garissa town on Tuesday, Dekow said political leaders were free to question government priorities, including the welfare of security officers, but warned that criticism should not come at the expense of other people’s culture and traditions.

“I condemn the unfortunate remarks by Senator Thang’wa referring to the new police uniform as a ‘dera’,” Dekow said.

She said leaders could raise legitimate concerns over police salaries, housing and welfare without using another community’s traditional attire as a term of ridicule.

Her remarks came after the senator criticised the government over the new General Duty police uniform, arguing that officers wanted better pay and decent housing rather than a change of attire.

“Police officers wanted higher salaries and decent housing, but instead (President William)Ruto gave them a new uniform that looks like a dera,” Thang’wa said.

The remarks have sparked debate over whether changing the police uniform should have been prioritised amid continuing concerns over officers’ remuneration, housing and working conditions.

President Ruto unveiled the new General Duty police uniform on August 28 at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri county, during the passing-out parade of more than 6,000 police recruits.

The new outfit replaces the predominantly deep-blue attire with a light sky-blue shirt and deep navy-blue trousers, accompanied by navy-blue berets or peak caps.

The rollout began progressively on August 31.

The government said the redesign followed consultations with police officers and members of the public conducted in 2023, as well as recommendations by the Presidential Taskforce on police reforms.

Ruto said officers had raised concerns about the quality, suitability and professional identity associated with the previous uniform.

Dekow, however, said the debate should not diminish cultural practices or traditional attire.

“A dera is not an insult. It is a respected traditional dress, culturally significant and proudly worn by women across many communities,” she said.

She urged politicians to exercise responsibility in their public statements, saying their remarks could either promote national cohesion or deepen divisions.

“We can disagree with the design of the police uniform. We can demand better salaries, decent housing and improved working conditions for our police officers. We can criticise the government and hold leaders accountable. But let us do so without mocking people’s culture,” she said.

The EALA MP said leaders should debate policies without insulting cultures, adding that traditional attire deserved respect.

The new uniform is intended for General Duty officers, while other units, including the Administration Police Service and the General Service Unit, are retaining their current attire for now.