Azimio Calls Off Wednesday Protests

"Azimio has made the decision that on Wednesday, rather than go to the streets for a peaceful demonstration as earlier announced, we will hold solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country," reads the statement.

"We are calling Kenyans to come out and light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of and respect for the victims. During the vigils, candle lighting and laying of flowers, we encourage Kenyans to say prayers and read out the names of the victims of police brutality. We shall provide the list of the victims in time for the exercise."

Azimio added that so far, 50 deaths have been reported with hundreds of others being injured and admitted to hospitals with grave injuries.

"Many hospitals have been instructed not to disclose the number of casualties or deaths or even admit victims of police brutality. Many are therefore nursing their injuries at home while others have had their death go unrecorded.

"Many families are struggling with bills as a result of the brutal police assault on members. It is clear we are dealing with an unprecedented phenomenon of police brutality and the State resorting to armed militia to quell protests," added the statement.

The coalition added that it visited hospitals and morgues and established that police and hired gangs shot and killed or wounded scores of people at close range, adding that some were shot in the back as they were fleeing or in a position of surrender.

"The shots have been aimed at the vital organs and delicate parts of the victims like the abdomen, the spine, the chest and the head. All the victims have been unarmed," the coalition continued.

The coalition further estimated that the number of those who died during the protests would number up to the hundreds and injuries to the thousands, thus prompting the decision to suspend the protests.

However, it did not issue a new date for when the protests would resume.

Azimio also asked the religious leaders and the people of Kenya to extend the exercise by dedicating Friday, Saturday and Sunday to prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the past demonstrations.

"We ask Kenyans to pray also that the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes up the matter based on an expanded list of perpetrators that we intend to furnish with the court with in due course," Azimio appealed.

The postponement came a few hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki promised to deploy police officers as early as 1:00 am to arrest protesters caught stealing or destroying infrastructure.

"Two Wednesdays ago, we wanted to see if Kenyans can conduct peaceful protests. But three hours later, a lot of damage was done in various parts of the country and by the time we deployed police, it was too late.