In an attempt to blend in with their surroundings, sex workers in Mombasa are undergoing a drastic fashion makeover. Most have traded in their scanty work attire for the buibui, a modest, loose, flowing gown and head covering favored by Muslim women.

In the city's red-light district, several buibui clad ladies of the night walk the streets. Some gave reasons for this change in clothing styles.

"I'm better off wearing the buibui so I look respectable. I can avoid arrest. I am just trying to get some money to live on,"one says.

Another claims she wears her buibui to hide her identity.

"I know I am sinning, but I'm forced to because I am looking for my livelihood. So to me, it's acceptable,"she stated. She also says it is easier for customers to figure out who are the prostitutes and who are not.

However, this new fashion craze is causing controversy in the predominantly Muslim city where women are required to cover their bodies when outside of their homes.

"I feel so embarrassed that sometimes I contemplate removing my buibui and throwing it away. The buibui has lost its respect," Mariam Salma said.

Asha Hussein, claims the sex workers are not native to Mombasa.

"They are not Muslims. Most are from Somalia and Ethiopia. They wear it to avoid public humiliation," she says.

Religious leaders are now urging the government to take action. According to Sheikh Muhammad Khalifa, secretary of the Council of Imams of Kenya, it is the government's responsibility to stop prostitution.

If the trend continues, police are likely to mistake respectable women for prostitutes, he says.