Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Friday, August 11, 2023, held interdenominational prayers for victims of police brutality during the anti-government protests.
During the prayers held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Park in Bondo, Siaya County saw caskets of those who were killed being paraded for public viewing before being transported to their respective homes for interment.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader who spoke in Bondo during a requiem mass for victims of police brutality said they will devise another strategy to avoid killings.
”We can tell our people to stay home, that is another way to express disaffection, next time we shall not tell people to come out, we will you to stay at home and stop anybody who is trying g to come out,” Raila said.
Raila’s remarks come just days after Inspector General (IG) of Police Japheth Koome sensationally claimed that the opposition hired bodies from morgues to taint the image of the police officers.
While condemning the utterances, the former Prime Minister maintained that they will not be intimidated by the government’s side in liberating the country.
“We cannot be cowed it is our responsibility to liberate our country,” Raila declared.
The opposition leader had earlier urged supporters to come out in large numbers and protest against the country’s high cost of living among other issues.
The anti-government demonstrations that swept the country from March to July saw more than 50 innocent Kenyans reportedly lose their lives leaving hundreds of others with serious injuries.
However, last month, Raila called off the nationwide ant-government protests to give room for bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza side.
He however promised that the new device will be adopted if the ongoing bipartisan talks with Kenya Kwanza side fail to yield results.
