Amid the serious demonstrations that took place on Wednesday, July 19, many Kenyan protestors found moments of enjoyment and creativity.
Alongside the more impactful displays of protest, some demonstrators seized the moment to pull stunts.
From playing football on the streets to taking showers, and skipping rope, Wednesday’s protests were full of light moments. Others even showcased their acting talents, adding a touch of light-heartedness to the overall atmosphere.
These diverse stunts were observed across different parts of the country, providing a unique blend of seriousness and lightheartedness.
Similarly, half-dressed Kisumu youth were seen taking a bath in the middle of the road, oblivious of their surroundings. In widely circulated videos, the youth were heard decrying the dire state the country finds itself in.
“The price of soap is high, the price of water is high. Where is this country headed? Everything in this country is very expensive. We are the ones who are bearing the greatest pain of these tough economic times,” the youth lamented.
A section of protestors in the background also decried the high fare prices and the increase in the prices of basic household commodities.
In another viral video, Kisumu residents were depicted playing football on the streets during the protests. The residents organised themselves in teams and took part in a kick about before the police dispersed them.
In one of the videos, one of the protestors was heard saying the police have "forfeited the match" which symbolised the lightheartedness that the day carried.
Elsewhere, Nyamira residents resorted to a symbolic demonstration of the challenging economic conditions by balancing cooking pots, locally known as Sufurias, on their heads.
This act, captured in a video vividly portrayed the hardships faced by citizens in putting food on the table. The protesters engaged in a spirited yet peaceful display, tagging and playfully interacting with each other to highlight the ongoing struggle for sustenance in the country.
In Nyeri county, the demonstrations took an unexpectedly lighthearted turn as residents transformed the protest into a humorous affair by bringing skipping ropes to the streets.
Amidst the protests at the Nyeri bus terminal , a middle-aged man was captured on video, thoroughly enjoying himself with a skipping rope.
These humorous antics during the protests have garnered significant attention online, with many Kenyans finding amusement in the residents' audacious stunts despite the presence of police officers.
The demonstrations being witnessed across the country have been staged by the Azimio coalition.
The opposition has given several conditions to call off the protests including lowering the cost of living, repealing the Finance Act and being allowed to play an active role in constituting the IEBC selection panel.
These kinds of hilarious stunts have gained much audience online with Kenyans amused by the sheer audacity of residents engaging in such stunts in the presence of police officers.
While the protests carried important messages about the challenges Kenyans face in securing jobs and resources to make ends meet, the scenes added a touch of levity to the overall mood.
