Azimio Calls Off Wednesday Protest

The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has called off their nationwide protests scheduled for July 26th. 

In a statement on Monday, the coalition asked their supporters to honour those who lost their lives during previous protests by lighting candles, laying flowers, saying prayers, and reading out the names of the victims of police brutality. Azimio estimates that at least 50 people died and hundreds were injured during the past demonstrations. The faction claims that the state has ordered hospitals not to disclose the number of casualties and deaths caused by police savagery. 

"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 vigils for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country. We are calling Kenyans to come out and light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of and respect for the victims," the statement reads in part.  

The opposition claims that many victims were shot at close range. In memory of the deceased, the opposition has asked Kenyans to also pray during the vigil on Wednesday. The outfit has urged Religious leaders to extend the exercise to include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to ensure that the list of victims is complete. The postponement came a few hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki vowed to deploy police officers as early as 1:00 am to apprehend protesters in a bid to subdue the anti-government protests. 

Speaking on Monday during a tour in Baringo South, the CS stated that the police deployment during the prior week was a trial run for the upcoming protests. The opposition also urged Kenyans to pray for Hague's intervention to provide justice for the victims. Azimio had prepared to continue with their protests but they reduced the number of days to one after Amnesty International confirmed that over 30 people had died in police custody since the protests began in March 2023.