Why not get friendly on your trip by learning a few key Swahili words!
I visited prisons in Kenya in 2005 and addressed the prisoners there in regards to their human rights and court cases.
To cut the tension (which one will need in this current political climate) start your introduction with 'mambo vipi'! The prisoners loved it because they thought it was funny coming from a Mizungo (white man). Basically, it means 'whats up?', but it worked everytime and had them rolling on the ground!
Updates
Sorry but I've never heard of the word 'mizungo', there is the word 'mizungu' which means 'complications' I think you must mean 'mzungu' or plural 'wazungu'. Your advice on learning kiswahili is a good one though; it will make you many friends and give you insight into everyday Kenyan life. This, of course, is the same wherever you go in the world.
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