Rastafarians around the world have a reputation for their unique Afrocentric spirituality, and they are generally known to be peace advocates.

Nairobi

The Rastafari community in Kenya has marked a milestone with the opening of a new tabernacle, reflecting its growing presence in the country. This follows a pivotal court decision in which both the High Court and Supreme Court of Kenya affirmed Rastafari as a legitimate religion, following a case involving a schoolgirl expelled for wearing dreadlocks, a symbol of her faith.

Despite this progress, Rastafarians in Kenya have historically faced significant discrimination, including social exclusion and employment challenges. The movement, which began in 1930 with the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, is organized into several branches within Kenya. The exact number of Rastafarians in the country remains unclear, as Christianity and Islam remain the dominant religions.

Recognizing Rastafari: A new chapter for religion in Kenya

In a significant development for the Rastafari community in Kenya, a unique tabernacle has been opened, highlighting the growing presence of Rastafarians in the nation. This follows a landmark ruling in 2019 when a schoolgirl was expelled for refusing to cut her dreadlocks, a symbol of her faith. In response, both the High Court and the Supreme Court confirm Rastafari is a legitimate religion deserving protection. As for me, I grew up in the Christian foundation, which led me to so much questioning of the faith, because it was making the white man, which is the colonial master that colonized my forefathers. So growing up for me in that religion was so difficult for me because religion, as I can say, brought division to the black people. The Rastafari movement began in 1930 with the coronation of Rastafari Mekonen, who became Emperor Haile Selassie, one of Ethiopia's adherents, believed Selassie embodies the final incarnation of Jesus Christ, with Ethiopia serving as a beacon of pride for its resistance against colonization. To date, the movement is still struggling for recognition. Most people never saw Rastafari as a good thing, as a spiritual thing. Yes, so we faced a lot of trials and tribulations back then from family members, the government, the police, all around, actually even being discriminated, not being employed, lack of jobs. Rastafari is not religion per se, it's not religion per se, it's a way of life, it's a spiritual way of life, because according to the elaboration of Haile Selassie, what is religion? He said religion are rules, regulations, which are set to guide people so that they can grow up to spirituality. Within Kenya, Rastafarians are organized into three mansions or branches known as Nyabingi, Bobo, Ashanti and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. It is still unclear how many people identify as Rastafari in Kenya, a country dominated by Christians and Muslims.

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Jerusalem

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Ukraine Invasion

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North Carolina

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Breakdown