Peace behind bars: Inmates finding freedom in practicing Yoga

Irene Auma practising Yoga with the Athi River prison

A group of thirty or so men gather together. The navy blue of their jumpsuits is broken by white stripes, immediately giving them away. They are prisoners. Behind them, there is a barbed wire security fence. There are cell blocks to their right and left. In front of them, four prison wardens look on. Behind them there is a watchtower. This is not an environment that one would associate with peace and tranquility. And yet the men have gathered for a yoga class.

This is a most unusual setting for yoga, which ideally should be done in a studio or in the great outdoors, but the circumstances in prison do not usually lend themselves to idealistic expectations.