Azimio to hold another nationwide demonstration next Wednesday

Azimio la Umoja leaders at a past press briefing. [File, Standard]

Azimio Coalition has announced that its nationwide protests will resume on Wednesday, July 19.

In a statement read by Eugene Wamalwa on Thursday, July 13, the coalition has condemned the use of excessive force on civilians by police officers; asking its supporters to observe 5 days of mourning demonstrators who died in the chaos.

“We have made a decision to observe five days of mourning and solidarity with the victims and their families during which we will try our level best to mobilize support to help lessen the burden on the families of victims.” The statement reads in part.

“But we are not giving up in our quest to force Mr William Ruto to lower the cost of living, commit to the audit of the 2022 election, bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC and respect political parties. Consequently, we announce that our protests will resume on Wednesday, 19th July 2023.”

The Raila Odinga-led coalition has vowed to continue with its signature collection exercise across the country.

“We notice the Communication Authority has joined the war against Kenyans by trying to cripple our digital signature collection platform, but we will fight and soldier on while we put the CA on notice.”

The coalition has also called for the release of Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and other protestors, arguing that it is their constitutional right to take part in demonstrations.

Makau was arrested a day after the protests, on grounds that he spearheaded chaotic protests on Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

“We demand immediate and unconditional dropping of all charges against Hon. Makau all those who were arrested for participating in a constitutionally protected action of protesting against punitive policies.”

While condemning police brutality in most parts of the country, Azimio wants its supporters to practice citizen journalism by taking pictures and evidence of rogue security officials.

The coalition has hinted at suing government security officials who do not act in accordance to the law. Therefore, they plan to use evidence from Kenyans as evidence in court.

“In this regard, we are appealing to all Kenyans who have photographic or video evidence of police brutalizing citizens to share the same with us to aid the case that our legal team is working on.”

On the other hand, President William Ruto says he won't be moved by sponsored chaos.

He has also accused former president Uhuru Kenyatta of sponsoring Azimio demonstrations with an aim of sabotaging his development plans through chaos.