Azimio leaders call off Wednesday demos

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio leaders call off Wednesday demos Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leaders have called off the Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 peaceful protests.

In a statement shared on Monday evening, Azimio leaders said instead, they will hold vigils in respect for Kenyans reportedly killed by police during the previous demos, called to push for the lowering of the cost of living among other demands.

"We have today made a decision that on Wednesday, 26th July 2023, we will hold a different kind of protest. The peaceful protests will take the form of solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country," the statement reads in part.

"We are calling on Kenyans to come out, light candles and lay flowers, preferably white, in remembrance of and respect for the victims."

The statement says at least 50 people died as a result of police brutality, during Azimio three-day demos, held from Wednesday to Friday last week.

"So far, we have almost 50 deaths and hundreds admitted in hospitals with grave injuries."

The opposition accuses hospital managements of declining to release the actual number of casualties from the demos, after receiving 'instruction' from unknown sources.

Azimio leaders said during the Wednesday vigil, they will reach out to families of victims with a view of offering assistance that lessen their burden.