Soldier with gun in one hand and razor in the other

PHOTO | EVANS HABIL KDF Private Stephen Mwenda Makau shaves Lance Corporal George Busaka at Kismayu Old Airport base last week.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Private ensures the firearm is by his side just in case he’s called to action
• His other job now entails ensuring his colleagues are clean-shaven to maintain their identity as they battle Al-Shabaab militants near the Indian Ocean.

By LUCAS BARASA
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Kenya Defence Forces Private Stephen Mwenda Makau did not know he would have an additional role besides fighting the enemy when he was posted to Kismayu in October last year.

His other job now entails ensuring his colleagues are clean-shaven to maintain their identity as they battle Al-Shabaab militants near the Indian Ocean.

Mr Mwenda, 26, is a 120mm gunner attached to the KDF 2nd Mechanised Infantry Battalion, which is working under the African Union Mission in Somalia. He is based at the Old Kismayu Airport.

REMOTE LOCATION

Mr Mwenda acts as a barber for the soldiers based in the remote location with no electricity supply.

In an interview with journalists at the camp where KDF has erected bunkers and tents, he kept shuttling between his barber work and operating artillery.
In a day, the private says he shaves at least 30 soldiers.

He relies on a generator in the KDF camp.

Being a war zone, Mwenda’s work has saved the KDF members from the agony of looking for the service outside the camp.

He does not charge for the work although he has to service his machines and buy other materials for shaving.

Usually, KDF selects one recruit who knows how to shave to trim his colleagues hair during training although the service is offered by civilians in army barracks after the course.

Mr Mwenda’s work has helped the Kenyan soldiers avoid sporting facial hair, unkempt moustaches and sideburns.

“My primary role is to protect the country, but I decided to also shave my colleagues as I had my own machine. I use available materials due to the environment that we are in,” he said.

Interestingly, Mr Mwenda always ensures his gun is by his side even while he is shaving just in case he is called to action.

“I am supposed to be alert all the time,” said the soldier, who was in full military gear and body armour.

He continued: “In case there is an attack while I am shaving, I will quickly respond. The person I am shaving will also take his position as we battle the enemy. That is why I am always in body armour and carry my gun as I shave.”

Military organisations usually require their members to be identical to help in forming a team spirit mentality. Soldiers are therefore required to ensure their hair, beard, sideburn and moustache are trimmed for uniformity.

“I am happy when everybody is smart and neat. As it is said, cleanliness is next to godliness,” Mr Mwenda said, adding that he started shaving before he was admitted to the military. Most armies around the world require that their soldiers either shave their beards completely or trim them neatly.