Two anti-riot police officers attached to a local police station in Tasia, Nairobi County took a brief break from engaging protestors in running battles to say a short word of prayer.
The officers, who were part of a larger group of the anti-riot squad trying to disperse a crowd of protesters, were seen kneeling on the ground and praying at a local worship centre after engaging protesters for several hours.
Intrigued by the actions of the officers, journalists who were covering the protests followed them and were pleasantly surprised to learn that the law enforcers were actually reciting prayers asking God to save the country.
Inside the worship center, the two police officers humbly removed their anti-riot gear and knelt down to offer a brief prayer, asking for God's guidance on various issues.
According to media reports, the officers prayed for the country's peace in the wake of ongoing anti-government protests which have led to the death of more than 25 people.
Various media outlets also reported that the two officers also took time to pray for their well-being and safety as their colleagues stood guard outside the worship Centre in the Embakasi area.
The officers' prayer was a brief one, as they quickly resumed their duties and joined their colleagues in keeping law and order in the large Embakasi area.
Moments before this development, protesters were seen holding signs and chanting slogans against the government demanding President William Ruto to focus on lowering the cost of living.
The protests in Nairobi are part of a larger wave of anti-government demonstrations that have been taking place in the country in recent months. The protests are being driven by a number of factors, including rising food prices and Azimio la Umoja's call for reforms at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Police officers have responded to the protests with a heavy hand, using tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse protesters. This has led to a number of deaths and injuries.
The protests are likely to continue in the coming weeks and months, as the government and the opposition lock horns over a number of key issues including new taxes proposed by Finance Act 2023.
