Kenya is expected to take a break from deadly protests today but government has deployed hundreds of anti riot police across various streets within the capital and other cities.
Azimio La Umoja Coalition, the main organisers of the deadly protests which have paralysed East Africa’s largest economy on Monday called off the protests to honor those killed in similar past events.
Azimio said so far, 50 deaths have been reported with hundreds of others being injured and admitted to hospitals.
However, the opposition group said they will hold “solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.”
The police feel the move by the organisers to call off the protests is a ploy.
“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,” a statement said.
“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 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 the court with in due course.”
But on Wednesday, police said the move to deploy personnel on various streets in select towns was meant to deter any form of violence that may occur.
