The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition has announced a change in their plans regarding the anti-government protests scheduled for this week.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the coalition declared that they will be suspending the protests. Instead, they are opting for “solidarity parades and vigils to honor the victims of police brutality” across the country.
Rather than taking to the streets in protest, the coalition now calls on its supporters to participate in peaceful gatherings at various locations nationwide.
During these gatherings, they are encouraged to light candles and lay flowers in remembrance and respect for those who lost their lives due to police brutality during previous demonstrations.
According to the coalition, there have been 50 reported deaths and hundreds of injuries resulting from the clashes.
The decision to change the approach to solidarity parades and vigils aims to honor the fallen and injured individuals while promoting a more peaceful form of expression.
The statement reads: “Azimio has decided to forgo the peaceful demonstration on Wednesday and instead conduct solidarity parades and vigils in memory of the victims of police brutality across the country. We urge Kenyans to join us in lighting candles, laying flowers, and saying prayers in remembrance of these victims. We will provide a list of the victims for this purpose.”
Furthermore, the coalition has requested religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to hold prayers in honor of the victims of police brutality during previous peaceful demonstrations.
In addition to the vigils, Azimio has expressed their intention to submit an expanded list of alleged perpetrators of police brutality to the International Criminal Court, calling on them to investigate the matter further.
By adopting this approach of solidarity and peaceful remembrance, the coalition hopes to bring attention to the issue of police brutality in Kenya while advocating for justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible.
