The Kenyan opposition has decided to cancel the new day of protests planned for Wednesday this week. The "Azimio La Umoja One Kenya" coalition has suspended its anti-government protests, saying in a statement released Monday evening that instead of taking to the streets, it will hold "solidarity processions and vigils for the victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country."
Opposition figures then called on their supporters to parade through the streets of cities with lit candles and lay flowers for the victims of police brutality during previous demonstrations. Azimio says that so far 50 people have been reported dead and hundreds more injured, admitted to hospitals with serious injuries, since the protests began last spring.
"On Wednesday, instead of taking to the streets for a peaceful demonstration as previously announced, we will hold solidarity marches and vigils for the victims of police brutality in various locations around the country," the statement says. "We are calling Kenyans to come out, light candles and lay flowers in remembrance and respect for the victims. During the vigils, candle lighting and flower laying, we encourage Kenyans to recite prayers and read the names of the victims of police brutality. We will provide the list of victims in time for the exercise."
The coalition also asked religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday and Sunday to prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during past peaceful demonstrations, while also praying for the International Criminal Court to consider opening an investigation into the matter.