Where residents obey strict code left by missionaries 115 years ago

A section of Africa Inland Church (AIC) Kijabe. [David Njaaga,Standard]

Images of young men huddled near a hedge in a deserted corner puffing and talking animatedly, conjures up memories of naughty boys defying school authority. The wisps of blue smoke emanating from the group of five men is an act of defiance.

But even in their defiance, the young men are still afraid of consequences. That explains why cigarette sticks have to be gripped between the thumb and the index finger, and the smoker ready to snuff it out in the event an elder appears. In the meantime, the thin thread of smoke has to be constantly fanned downwards lest it betrays their forbidden indulgence.