The Azimio La Umoja Coalition led by Raila Odinga has called off the anti-government protests that were scheduled for Wednesday this week.
In a statement to newsrooms on Monday, July 24, Azimio noted that rather than holding peaceful protests, they would hold solidarity parades and vigils for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.
"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," part of the statement reads.
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The Raila Odinga-led coalition alleged that at least 50 deaths had been recorded and multiple protesters injured during the previous demos.
"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.
"It is clear we are dealing with unprecedented phenomenon of police brutality and the State resorting to armed militia to quell protests. We have visited hospitals and morgues and we have established that police and hired gangs have 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 statement adds.
The coalition had on Saturday announced that they would hold protests on Wednesday before announcing the suspension.
