The nationwide anti-government demonstrations that were planned to occur on Wednesday this week have been suspended by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
The coalition announced that rather than marching to the streets, they would host “solidarity parades and vigils for victims of police brutality in various locations throughout the country,” according to a statement released Monday evening.
In honor of the victims of police brutality during earlier demonstrations, the coalition urged its followers to gather outside and light candles and offer floral tributes.
According to Azimio, there have been 50 documented deaths to date, along with hundreds of other injuries and hospital admissions for serious wounds.
“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,” reads the statement.
“We are calling Kenyans to come out and light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of and respect for the victims. 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.”
Azimio has further asked religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the past peaceful demonstrations.
“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,” added Azimio.
