Azimio to hold vigils, solidarity parades for those killed in anti-government demos
The opposition coalition, Azimio One Kenya Coalition will tomorrow hold solidarity parades and vigils for victims of last week’s police brutality during the surging anti-government protests amid temporary suspension of the countrywide demos.
The protests, though outlawed by the government, were held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week but it was only more active on the first day when demonstrators engaged police in major urban centres including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii and Nakuru.
While the Raila Odinga-led coalition accuses police of killing protesters arbitrarily while quelling the demonstrations, the government insists police acted professionally. They claim more than 50 people were killed by police during the three-day protests against the high cost of living.
“We have today made a decision that on Wednesday, 26th July 2023, we will hold a different kind of protest. The peaceful protests will take the form of solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.” Raila Odinga said on his Twitter handle.
In addition, Azimio also asked religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the demonstrations, lamenting that the police brutality meted on them during the protests has reached unprecedented levels.
“Some have been shot in the back as they were fleeing or in a position of surrender. The shots have been aimed at the vital organs and delicate parts of the victims like the abdomen, the spine, the chest and the head.” Raila said.
The opposition coalition, further called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open investigations on the conduct of police officers during the protests.
