Comedian Nasra has used her distinctive sense of humor to call out a controversial statement made by a local elder in Garissa, which has sparked widespread criticism. The elder, in a video that recently resurfaced online, warned Somali women against riding boda bodas and threatened punishment for both female passengers and their riders. His comments were made during a public address in Garissa, where he declared: “From today, we will not allow a woman who is a Somali or a Muslim, to board a boda boda. If she is caught boarding a boda boda at the back, she and the rider should be caned. Because we do not allow it completely.”
These remarks quickly gained attention and outrage across social media platforms. Among the most vocal in expressing disapproval was Nasra, a comedian known for her sharp wit and fearless commentary on social issues. Using her platform, Nasra posted a video mocking the elder’s words, bringing attention to the absurdity of the statement and adding her unique touch of humor. In the video, she exaggerated the elder’s speech to highlight the outdated nature of his views. Along with the parody, Nasra made a compelling point to Somali elders, urging them to focus on addressing more pressing issues within the community.
Rather than focusing on women’s choice of transportation, Nasra suggested that elders use their voices and influence to tackle more serious challenges that affect the Somali community. One example she highlighted was the issue of forced marriages, pointing to a tragic case where a 17-year-old girl, Gacal Adan Abdi, lost her life after being married off to a much older man. Nasra emphasized the need for elders to intervene in situations where women’s safety and rights are at risk, noting that these are the kinds of threats that should be addressed.
“If the goal is to protect the dignity of Somali women, then let’s focus on real threats,” Nasra said in her post. “Imagine if men were to direct such threats at actual culprits, it might just make a difference in curbing harm.” Her words called for a more balanced approach to protecting women’s dignity, one that doesn’t focus on trivial matters like transportation choices but instead tackles issues that directly harm the community.
Nasra’s response, however, wasn’t purely about mockery. She has long used comedy as a way to challenge harmful stereotypes and outdated societal norms. Her humor serves as a tool for breaking down barriers and addressing difficult subjects, such as the treatment of Somali women in certain cultural contexts. In past interviews, Nasra has explained how she leverages comedy to challenge the negative stereotypes often associated with Somalis. By highlighting the absurdity of such statements, she is able to initiate important conversations about the real issues facing the community.
The video Nasra posted quickly gained traction, with many young Somali women following her lead and reenacting the elder’s speech on social media. Through this viral trend, Nasra has not only made her point clear but also encouraged others to think critically about the issues being discussed, using humor as a way to foster change and open up dialogue about important social matters.
