Azimio leaders condemn shooting of protesters during anti-government protests

Machakos Saturday, July 15,2023

KNA by Roselyne Kavoo/William Mutunga

A section of Azimio coalition leaders on Friday visited victims of Wednesday's demonstrations admitted in various hospitals in Machakos county.

Led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka the leaders condemned the police for what they termed as the use of excessive force against unarmed civilians.

Speaking at Machakos Level Five Hospital where some of the victims are currently admitted Kalonzo said the constitution allows Kenyans to picket and demonstrate saying the brutality meted out by the police was unjustified.

"We also visited Shalom Hospital and the majority of those injured or killed had bullet wounds. This is state-sponsored violence," he said.

The Wiper leader said the anti-government demonstrations are largely peaceful but only turn violent when police intervene.  

"We believe in peaceful demonstrations that are anchored in the supreme law which guarantees freedom," he added.

Kalonzo said police should operate within the law and desist from using live bullets on innocent Kenyans.

"We should all abide by the rule of the law even if it doesn't seem to favor your political side. We must guard the rule of law," noted the Wiper leader.

He was accompanied by Martha Karua, Jeremiah Kioni, former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti among other leaders.

Karua said the coalition will clear medical bills for those injured and cover burial expenses for those brutally killed during the protests.

She accused the government of using a killer squad to shoot protesters. 

"It's unfortunate that police with orders are indiscriminately killing innocent Kenyans. Protests are freedoms enshrined in the constitution," added Karua.

The NARC leader called on police to exercise restraint and stop the extra judicial killings.

She rallied Kenyans not to relent on the fight against injustice.

"Do not shun the demonstrations because we are fighting against the heavy burden laid on Kenyans through taxation," said Karua.

Courtesy ; K. N. A