Azimio supporters in UK call for probe into killings during protests

Police officers arrest activist Boniface Mwangi during anti-government protests in Nairobi.[Standard, File]

Azimio la Umoja Coalition supporters in the United Kingdom (UK) are urging the international community to demand investigations into the recent killings of young Kenyans during anti-government protests.

Ali Ali, Azimio Coalition's UK chair, called for accountability from global powers including the UK, United States and European Union.

"We urge the international community to put a spotlight on the ongoing killings, abductions and incarceration of young demonstrators in Kenya," Ali said.

"As donors, they must pursue those who killed peaceful demonstrators and oversaw the abductions."

Human rights organisations have reported at least 50 deaths among the youth during the protests.

Ali criticised the United Nations Security Council and international human rights groups for their perceived inaction.

"Kenyans' freedoms enshrined in the International Convention on Human Rights are being violated by a member country under the watchful eyes of nations that profess to pioneer, promote and protect human rights," he said.

"Their silence during the hour of need is what we will not forget."

He noted that the demonstrations represented a powerful call against corruption and for the prudent use of taxpayers' money.

"After enduring significant suffering due to maladministration, rampant corruption, economic collapse, unemployment, skyrocketing cost of living and a high debt burden, the youth have initiated peaceful demonstrations to claim their constitutional rights. The leaders should heed their demands," he added.

Ali condemned the government's response to the protests, alleging brutal mistreatment, kidnappings and mass extrajudicial killings of unarmed demonstrators.

"Instead of listening to them, the government resorted to brutal mistreatment of hundreds of innocent, unarmed Kenyans through kidnapping and mass extrajudicial killings," he noted.

Azimio Coalition's UK chair, Ali Ali.

He criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party for its political alliance with President William Ruto's administration, calling it a betrayal of the protesters' cause.

"That was adding insult to injury of the tens of youths who died and hundreds who were maimed during the demonstrations as they were calling for proper governance," said Ali.

"The acts by ODM only go to insulate the Kenya Kwanza government."

He expressed the diaspora community's support for justice and accountability, urging President Ruto to address the police killings and compensate the victims.

"We are watching the situation back at home and given that the Diaspora community's remittance and foreign direct investment are major players in the country's economy, we are more concerned and might ask our members to withhold remittances and only send cash for emergency family needs," he said.

Ali also called for peaceful support of the revolution and the establishment of a civilian interim caretaker government, warning against any military involvement.

"We urge all Kenyans to support the revolution through peaceful means. The demands of Kenyans must be met. A civilian interim caretaker government should be instituted and any attempt to involve a military junta system should be avoided," he added.

He expressed the diaspora community's desire for the country to return to peace and for the urgently needed changes to be implemented.