This unusual contrast where one man was quietly sitting cross-legged reading a newspaper in front of armed riot policemen and tear gas is one of the unforgettable scenes from the anti-government protests in Nairobi.
This happened when Kenyans were out in the streets protesting against a contentious finance bill that continues to stir up unrest in the country.
The demonstrations have involved some violence, police have to use tear gas while dispersing protesters. This is even after a court order has been made that watersheds and tear gas should not be used by police force, but they have continued to do so anyway.
Their ability to simply sit and protest while the riot gear police surge around them has become a concrete representation of the population’s anger towards the government.
Demonstrations have been stepped up in the aftermath of the passing of the finance bill by the parliament with subsequent increased forceful actions by protesters and the police. This bill, which introduces various taxes, has been criticised by the population and different parties and movements.
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