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Dozens of police officers were Wednesday deployed to various streets in the country despite the move by organisers of a planned protest to cancel it.
The protests had been called over the high cost of living and the new Finance Act 2023, which has increased the prices of many commodities.
But the main organisers, Azimio La Umoja Coalition, on Monday announced they had called off the protests to honor those killed in similar past events.
They said they will hold “solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.”
The coalition called on its supporters to come out and light candles and lay flowers for the victims of police brutality during previous demos.
Azimio said so far, 50 deaths have been reported with hundreds of others being injured and admitted to hospitals.
“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,” a statement said.
“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 further asked religious leaders to dedicate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for prayers in remembrance of the victims of police brutality during the past peaceful demonstrations.
“We ask Kenyans to pray also that the International Criminal Court takes up the matter based on an expanded list of perpetrators that we intend to furnish the court with in due course.”
But on Wednesday, police said the move to deploy personnel on various streets in select towns was meant to deter any form of violence that may occur.
For instance, an internal memo sent to police in the eastern region ordered the police to be ready for riots.
“All of you to treat this deception plan as the real demonstration and make sure officers are ready. Prepare your riot platoons accordingly.”
“Athi River East, South and Machakos take positions as early as six in the morning in full as before. Athi River East make sure there are enough officers armed to defend your police stations especially, Mlolongo, Josca, Muungano, SNP and have more than enough officers at Mlolongo Expressway toll station,” read part of the memo dated July 25.
A team was deployed to the Jogoo House Command Centre to monitor the situation through security cameras.
Other personnel patrolled major highways where there were fears of chaos and targeting road users.
Police mounted roadblocks on roads around the State House checking on all road users there.
Police were deployed with spikes at various points on major roads including State House Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way and Dennis Pritt where they briefly stopped and questioned motorists.
A survey showed a heavy presence of anti-riot police on major roads and informal settlements.
The police feel the move by the organisers to call off the protests is a ploy.
“They say that it is to stand in solidarity with the victims who lost their lives during previous demonstrations. They will do that by vigil and lighting candles.”
“Commanders this is worse than demonstrations. Imagine they will be having matchboxes and the way these politicians pull crowds quickly. In a situation like this with people mourning and tires present all over, what will prevent them from lighting tyres and blocking the roads,” read the memo.
Police have been criticized on how they have handled the protesters which left tens dead and others wounded. BY THE STAR