Azimio to announce way forward on anti-tax protests this Sunday

The opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party now says it will on Sunday announce to its supporters the next course of action regarding what it is now calling the anti-tax protests.

Azimio made the announcement on Friday at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) Command Centre during a prayer service to mourn victims of police shootings, castigating President William Ruto's government for failing to acknowledge the extrajudicial killing of protesters.

“I want to announce on our behalf that on Sunday, July 30th, we shall communicate to the nation our next course of action with regard to anti-tax protests,” stated Wiper leader Kalonzo in a joint statement.

Kalonzo further added that the opposition political faction had resolved to initiate a fund to aid the families of all victims of police brutality during the now suspended anti-government demos.

The function marked yet another public appearance by former President Uhuru Kenyatta who joined Azimio leaders in remembrance of over 30 victims of police shootings during the recent protests.

Azimio chief Raila Odinga and Kenyatta, both of whom did not speak at the event, each donated Ksh.1 million to the fund for the victims’ families.

Kalonzo contributed Ksh.500,000, Eugene Wamalawa Ksh.200,000, while Azimio MPs jointly contributed Ksh.1.5 million. In total, the opposition team managed to raise a total of Ksh.4.2 million.

“Even as we continue to mourn, celebrate and pray for the victims, we’re going a step further to launch a Citizens’ Emergency Fund to offer practical support to families of the dead and the injured,” said Kalonzo.

“We appeal to all Kenyans of goodwill, those who love justice, those who wait upon the Lord, to come through for their fellow citizens by contributing to this fund.”

Governors in Machakos, Kisii, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori counties all waived hospital bills for those nursing gunshot wounds and admitted to various health facilities in their respective devolved units.