Azimio forced to change the venue for interdenominational prayers over police threats

Azimio changes the venue for interdenominational prayers from De Paul Grounds in Karen to SKM Center over police threats.

Due to “police threats,” the Raila-led group has relocated the location of today’s (Friday) requiem mass for victims of police abuse. 

The interdenominational requiem liturgy for the deceased and injured victims was supposed to take place at the De Paul Grounds in Karen, Nairobi, but the coalition changed the location early on Friday morning. 

“Mass moved to SKM Center, Karen, from 9 am due to circumstances beyond our control,” Raila Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango said without indicating reasons for the change.

According to reports, police had warned the owners of the De Paul grounds against hosting the prayers. 

“Area OCS went to De Paul and warned owners that the meeting would not be allowed to happen. We are also not sure yet with SKM because there are plans to equally blockade the venue,” a source in Azimio revealed as quoted by Daily Nation. 

The police are said to have been concerned that the meeting would turn into a political rally. “They feel that emotions could run high at the solemn gathering and pull crowds beyond control.” 

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There are also reports that the government had reached out to foreign diplomats who are pushing for dialogue to implore the opposition to avoid hosting the prayers on open grounds, to cool down the political temperatures after the opposition called off its street protests this week.

This comes after Azimio on Thursday announced that the prayers will also take place in chosen locations in counties across the country. 

“Azimio attaches a solemn significance to these prayers that are being held in honour of men and women, boys and girls who were shot and killed or wounded at close range. Many were shot from the back as they were µeeing or at a position of surrender,” Azimio’s statement read in part.

Azimio has insisted that the deceased were arbitrarily shot on vital organs and delicate parts of the body like the abdomen, the spine, the chest, and the head, despite being unarmed. 

“We, therefore, appeal to Kenyans to keep the peace during these prayers. We also encourage Kenyans to continue lighting candles and laying flowers in respect and love for our slain and injured patriots.

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