Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has suspended anti-government protests that were to take place on Wednesday this week.
In a statement on Monday, July 24, Azimio asked its supporters to hold vigils in honour of Kenyans maimed during recent countrywide protests.
“Azimio has made the decision that on Wednesday, rather than go to the streets for a peaceful demonstration as earlier announced, we will hold solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country,” read part of the statement.
According to the opposition, over fifty people have died since the start of the countrywide protests with fears that the numbers could rise.
“So far, we have at least 50 deaths and hundreds admitted in hospitals with grave injuries. Many hospitals have been instructed not to disclose the number of casualties or deaths or even admit victims of police brutality.
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Many are therefore nursing their injuries at home while others have had their death go unrecorded. Many families are struggling with bills as a result of the brutal police assault on members,” Azimio explained.
During the vigils, the opposition stated, “candle lighting and laying of flowers, we encourage Kenyans to say prayers and read out the names of the victims of police brutality.”
The Raila Odinga-led wing also promised to publish names of victims of what they described as police brutality.
“We shall provide the list of the victims in time for the exercise. We ask the religious leaders and the people of Kenya to extend this important exercise by dedicating Friday, Saturday and Sunday for prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the past peaceful demonstrations.”
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Further, Azimio asked Kenyans to pray that The Hague-based International Criminal Court – ICC takes over the matter.
“We ask Kenyans to pray also that the International Criminal Court takes up the matter based on an expanded list of perpetrators that we intend to furnish with the court within due course.”
