Azimio la Umoja have called off Wednesday this week’s protests, instead calling on Kenyans to hold countrywide vigils to remember those who died during the anti-government protests that got underway in March.
Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization, has denounced the use of unlawful force against protestors and claims that since the protests began in March 2023, at least 30 people have been killed by police.
“We are calling Kenyans to come out and lay light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of and respect of the victims,” read the statement.
“During the vigils, candle lighting and laying of flowers, we encourage Kenyans to say prayers and read out the names of the victims of police brutality. We shall provide the list of the victims in time for the exercise.”
The opposition coalition, which has accused the government of not revealing the actual number of the victims of police brutality, said it will provide its list of the victims on Wednesday so that supporters can call out those names during the vigils. At least 50 people have lost their lives, in their estimation.
“Many hospitals have received orders not to report the number of casualties or fatalities or even to take in those who have been the victims of police abuse. As a result, many people are recuperating at home from their wounds, while others have died quietly,” added Azimio, urging religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality.
“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 with in due course.”
The opposition is protesting in order to, among other things, get the Finance Act 2023/24 that imposes new taxes repealed as a first step to lowering the cost of living.
