Anti-riot police on Wednesday night dispersed a group that converged in Makadara, Nairobi, for a vigil for victims who were shot and killed or injured during past anti-government protests.
The group had converged on the roadside in the estate at about 8 pm and lit candles when anti-riot police arrived, witnesses said.
The officers declared the vigil illegal before lobbing teargas canisters at the group and dispersing them.
Police argued they had not been notified about the event at the place hence the move to disperse the group.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said they were not aware of the meeting at the site and feared for chaos hence the move.
“Their meeting was illegal and we feared goons would take advantage to commit crime. They had not informed us of the same,” he said.
He added police dimmed the candles that had been lit at the site and carried away some of them.
The vigil was among many that were held on Wednesday in various towns in the country to honour, mourn those killed and wish quick recovery those in hospitals.
Dozens of police officers had earlier been 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 held solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.
Apart from Mombasa where police also dispersed a group that had converged for the event, the other places’ were smooth and peaceful.
Supporters came out and lit candles and laid 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.
They visited some of those in hospitals and condemned police actions. 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 with the court in due course."
