Azimio changes Maandamano tact, to light can*les for victims of police b****lity on Wednesday
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party has announced a change in demonstrations meant for Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
In a statement, Azimio announced that they will light candles for victims of police brutality, some of whom have died.
"Since the last violent break up of our peaceful protests by Police and goons, Azimio la Umoja has taken time to get as complete a picture as possible of the pain inflicted on protesters. While the exercise is incomplete and remains ongoing, a clear picture has emerged of massive
casualties," Azimio said in a statement.
"Azimio has made the 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. We are calling Kenyans to come out on and light candles and lay flowers, preferably white, in remembrance of and respect for the victims."
According to Azimio, at least 50 people have been shot dead by police, while hundreds are nursing gunshot wounds in hospitals.
"So far, we have at least 50 deaths and hundreds admitted in hospitals with grave injuries. Many hospitals have been instructed not to disclose the number of casualties or deaths or even admit victims of police brutality. Many are therefore nursing their injuries at home while others have had their death go unrecorded. Many families are struggling with bills as a result of the brutal police assault on members," Azimio added.
"It is clear we are dealing with an unprecedented phenomenon of police brutality and of the State resorting to armed militia to quell protests. We have visited hospitals and morgues and we have established that police and hired gangs shot and killed or wounded scores of people at close range. Some have been shot on the back as they were fleeing or at a position of surrender. The shots have been aimed at the vital organs and delicate parts of the victims like the abdomen, the spine, the chest and the head."
Azimio has also promised to reach out to the victims of police brutality and offer assistance to their families.
"On that day, we will also roll out the process of reaching out to the families of the victims with a
view to offering any assistance that can lessen their burden. During the vigils, candle lighting and laying of flowers, we encourage Kenyans to say prayers and read out the names of victims. We shall provide the list of the victims in time for the exercise. 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 the court with in due course," Azimio stated.
