kenya to deport man wearing dress

Source: bbcnews

December 8, 2005: A Burundian man taken into police custody in Kenya for looking suspicious because he was dressed as a woman is to be deported back home.

After a week in prison, Alexandra Kwizera was not found guilty of impersonation but immigration offences.

His lawyer says he has paid a $700 fine rather than serve six months in jail.

Mr Kwizera caused a stir in the courtroom when he appeared in woman's clothes in a society that holds conservative views on sexuality.

His lawyer Duncan Mwanyumba told the BBC his appearance and the fact that his passport showed his gender as female played heavily against him.

"He was dressed in his usual way drinking coffee in a restaurant when he was taken into custody," Mr Mwanyumba said.

Police say thieves in the capital, Nairobi, often dress up in their smartest clothes to commit crimes.

He was found guilty of forging a visa and student pass in his passport.

Since paying his fine on Wednesday, Mr Kwizera remains in prison awaiting his deportation.