In pictures: Ex-President Uhuru, Raila Odinga attend prayers to honour protest victims

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga at SKM Centre in Karen, Nairobi, on Friday, July 28, 2023. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined Azimio chief leader Raila Odinga for interdenominational prayers in Nairobi in honour of those killed during the recent anti-government protests.

A mass being held at the SKM Command Center, Nairobi today, is being attended by several other leaders.

 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta lays a wreath during prayers held in Nairobi in honour of protest victims.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard

Others in attendance are Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

The prayers had earlier been scheduled to take place at De Paul Grounds in Karene it was changed.

The Standard has established that the leaders are engaged in a closed-door meeting.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga at SKM Command Centre in Karen, Nairobi.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

 In a statement on Friday, Azimio called on its supporters to hold prayers countrywide at selected venues.

“Azimio attaches a solemn significance to these prayers that are being held in honour of men and women, boys and girls who were shot and killed or wounded at close range. Many were shot from the back as they were fleeing or in a position of surrender. They were shot at the vital organs and delicate parts of the body like the abdomen, the spine, the chest, and the head. All of them had been unarmed,” Azimio said in a statement on Thursday.

 

Ministry of Interior says 305 police officers were injured and 156 assaults were reported during the anti-government protests. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard.

The prayer exercise will continue throughout the weekend as the coalition vows to keep protesting the high cost of living and punitive taxes.