Uhuru, Raila Contribute Ksh2 Million For Victims Of Anti-Govt Protests
Uhuru and Raila contributed a total of Ksh2 million while Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, chipped in Ksh500,000.
Marvin Chege 
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga on Friday, July 28 contributed Ksh1 million each to support the families of the victims of police brutality during the anti-government demonstrations.
Uhuru had made a surprise appearance at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) Command Centre in Karen driving his Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon by himself as the coalition held a requiem mass for those affected by police brutality during the protests.
Kenyatta joined his counterparts in laying flowers in honour of the deceased. After the interdenominational prayers, the leaders made contributions towards helping the victims and their families, whose loved ones either suffered injuries or lost their lives during the protests.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Stephen Kalonzo Command Centre in Karen on July 28, 2023 alongside Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka. /AZIMIO TV
Uhuru and Raila contributed a total of Ksh2 million while Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, chipped in Ksh500,000.
Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa contributed Ksh200,000 while Members of Parliament (MP) affiliated with Azimio jointly contributed Ksh1.5 million.
“We are going a step further and we are launching a citizen’s emergency fund to offer practical support to families of the dead and the injured.
"We appeal to all Kenyans of goodwill, those who love justice, and those who wait upon the lord to come through for their fellow citizens by contributing to this fund,” Kalonzo said during the launch of the funds drive.
At the same time, the Governors of Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Machakos and Siaya County announced a waiver of hospital bills for maandamano victims.
Kisumu Governor, Anyang' Nyong'o led by example on Wednesday, July 26 by waiving all hospital and mortuary bills for everyone injured or killed during the anti-government protests to protest against the high cost of living and punitive taxes by the President William Ruto-led administration.
In a statement read by Kisumu County Speaker, Elisha Oraro, the county boss revealed that over 100 Kisumu residents suffered injuries during the chaotic demonstrations, regretting that over 90 Kisumu residents were brutalised by the police and had to be admitted for prolonged periods.
"We have also waived the mortuary fees for the preservation of bodies of those killed during the demonstrations. As we keep vigil today in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who were either killed or are still in hospital or nursing their wounds at home, we ask the Kenya Kwanza Government to respect Human Rights and stop denying Kenyans their right to protest the many injustices being meted against them," the statement read in part.
On Friday, July 28, Nyong'o revealed that senior officials from Human Rights Organization, Amnesty International, were dispatched to Kisumu to investigate and document police brutality meted out against members of the public during the protests.
"The team, led by the organization’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton paid a courtesy call on my Acting County Secretary, Judy Oluoch before embarking on a fact-finding mission in the town where a police clampdown on members of the public, last week, left a trail of deaths and injuries," stated the Governor.
In other developments, Azimio announced that it will on Sunday, July 30 give further directives regarding the protests.
NARC-Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, missed the event after she flew out of the country to attend the International Women’s Conference in Colombia, which is also graced by Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome.
Delegates there will discuss the special power of women, women’s health and performance in the evangelistic plan, communication and empathy with other cultures, as well as how to heal and love yourself.
