Anti-Riot Police Take to Streets Despite Anti-Government Protest Cancellation
Wednesday saw the deployment of dozens of police officers to various locations across the nation, despite the cancellation of a planned protest by its organizers.
The protests were organized because of the high cost of living and the new Finance Act of 2023, which increased the prices of numerous goods.
However, the primary organizers, Azimio La Umoja Coalition, announced on Monday that they had canceled the demonstrations to honor those killed in similar events in the past.
They stated that “solidarity marches and vigils for victims of police brutality will be held in various locations across the country.”
The coalition urged its supporters to light candles and arrange flowers for the victims of police brutality during previous demonstrations.
According to Azimio, fifty fatalities have been reported so far, and hundreds of others have been injured and admitted to hospitals.
“Azimio has decided that on Wednesday, rather than holding a peaceful demonstration as previously announced, we will hold solidarity parades and vigils for victims of police brutality in various locations across the country,” according to a statement.
ALSO READ: ODM Clarifies Raila’s Stance on Ruto Talks
“We are asking Kenyans to come out and light candles and set flowers as a sign of respect and remembrance for the victims. During vigils, candle lighting, and flower setting, we encourage Kenyans to recite prayers and read the names of police brutality victims. We will provide the victims’ list in time for the drill.”
Azimio also requested that prayers be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the previous nonviolent demonstrations.
“We also ask Kenyans to pray that the International Criminal Court investigates the case based on an expanded list of perpetrators that we intend to provide to the court in due time.”
However, police stated on Wednesday that the deployment of personnel on various avenues in select cities was intended to deter any potential violence.
A memo sent to police in the eastern region, for instance, instructed them to be prepared for unrest.
“Treat this deception plan as the actual demonstration and ensure that officers are prepared. Prepare your disturbance platoons as necessary.”
“Athi River East, South, and Machakos assume full positions at six in the morning, as they did previously. Athi River East, ensure that there are enough armed officers to defend your police stations, particularly Mlolongo, Josca, Muungano, and SNP, and have more than enough officers at the Mlolongo Expressway toll station,” according to a portion of a memo dated July 25.
ALSO READ: Exclusive: Azimio Unveils Wednesday Vigil Exercise Plan
A team was dispatched to the Jogoo House Command Centre to monitor the situation via surveillance cameras.
Other personnel patrolled key highways where chaos was feared and targeted motorists.
The police set up roadblocks on the roadways surrounding the State House to inspect all drivers.
At various locations on main roads, including State House Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way, and Dennis Pritt, police with spike strips briefly stopped and questioned motorists.
An investigation revealed a significant anti-riot police presence on main roads and in informal settlements.
The police believe the organizers’ decision to call off the demonstrations is a tactic.
“They claim that it is to show solidarity with the casualties of previous demonstrations who lost their lives. They will accomplish this through vigil and candle-lighting.”
“Commanders, this is far worse than protests. Imagine they will have matchboxes and how fast these politicians attract crowds. What will prevent them from torching tires and obstructing the highways in a situation such as this, where people are in mourning and tires are strewn about everywhere?
The police have been criticized for their handling of the demonstrators, which resulted in tens of deaths and numerous injuries.
Anti-Riot Police Take to Streets Despite Anti-Government Protest Cancellation
