Teargas Engulfs Makadara Vigil Honoring Protest Victims
Makadara Vigil for Protest Victims Met with Tear Gas
Wednesday night, anti-riot police dispersed a group gathered in Makadara, Nairobi, for a vigil for victims shot and killed or injured during previous anti-government demonstrations.
When anti-riot police arrived, the group had gathered on the estate’s roadside and ignited candles, according to witnesses.
The officers proclaimed the vigil illegal before dispersing the group with tear gas canisters.
The police argued that they had not been informed about the event, which led to their decision to disperse the crowd.
The head of the police force in Nairobi, Adamson Bungei, stated that they were unaware of the meeting at the location and dreaded anarchy as a result.
“Their meeting was unlawful, and we suspected that thugs would use the opportunity to commit a crime. “We were not informed of this,” he said.
He added that police extinguished the candles that were lit at the site and removed some of them.
The vigil was one of many that were held on Wednesday in various cities across the nation to honor and lament the victims and to wish those in hospitals a speedy recovery.
Despite the cancellation of a protest by its organizers, dozens of police officers had already been deployed to various locations throughout the country.
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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 held marches of solidarity and vigils for victims of police brutality in various locations across the nation.
Except Mombasa, where police dispersed a group that had gathered for the event, the situation was tranquil in all other locations.
During previous demonstrations, supporters lighted candles and laid flowers for victims of police brutality. According to Azimio, fifty fatalities have been reported so far, and hundreds of others have been injured and admitted to hospitals.
They visited hospitalized individuals and condemned police actions. 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 based on an expanded list of perpetrators that we intend to provide to the court in due time.”
Teargas Engulfs Makadara Vigil Honoring Protest Victims
