Azimio to buy flowers and candles, launch funds drive for victims of police brutality

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance says it will acquire flowers and candles that will be used in the planned vigil on Wednesday to commemorate the lives lost during the anti-government demonstrations.

This comes after Azimio on Monday suspended the protests slated to take place across the country on Wednesday this week.

"That in demonstration of love for the victims and solidarity with their families and the cause they died for, we volunteer and acquire candles and flowers by end of day today in readiness for the vigil and solidarity planned for tomorrow morning, Wednesday, July 26, 2023," said Azimio in a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday.

In Nairobi specifically, Azimio added that leaders allied to the outfit will lead participants in launching a benevolent fund for the affected persons and their kin.

"That here in Nairobi, leaders from the various pillars of society will gather at the designated location already communicated to say prayers, lay wreaths, light candles and launch a benevolence fund to aid victims and their families," said Azimio. 

The opposition coalition added that persons intending to converge for the vigils should convene at locations including; hospitals, parks, bus stages, churches, markets, shopping centers, social halls, county assemblies and county headquarters, from 6 am.

"That leaders from the various formations of our society including political parties, church and faith organizations, civil society, Community-Based Organizations, youth and women groups, the academia and Labour movement, among others, take lead and guide citizens in these sombre and solemn acts of remembrance, solidarity and love," said Azimio.

The Raila Odinga-led faction added that upon lighting the candles and laying the wreaths, those in attendance should sing the Nation Anthem and say prayers for those who died or were injured during the demos.