Azimio La Umoja, on Thursday, July 13, alleged that former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was arrested in link to anti-government protests that crippled the country on Wednesday, July 12.
In a press briefing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa condemned the police for what he claimed was an arbitrary arrest.
The opposition demanded the immediate release of those arrested and asked for charges levelled against the former governor to be dropped.
"Among those in police custody is Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and as we speak we have just learnt of the arrest of Oparanya. We demand the immediate and unconditional dropping of all charges against these two for participating in a constitutionally protected action," Wamalwa stated.
"Across the country, families are mourning their loved ones who are victims of the police force. Tens of people have been hospitalised with gunshot, arrow and panga (machetes) wounds.
Some victims, he claimed, were young schoolchildren who did not participate in the demonstrations.
"Hundreds have been detained in police cells or arraigned in court for participating in protests that our constitution protects," Wamalwa stated while reading Azimio's statement.
The former Defense CS also castigated police officers for using excessive force to quell the Wednesday, July 12 protests.
"We condemn the senseless brutality and state-sanctioned violence of civilians by police which is becoming the new normal in Kenya. We are deeply concerned about the repeated brutality against innocent Kenyans."
While announcing the way forward, Wamalwa declared that protests would continue on Wednesday, July 19, despite opposition and the warning issued by President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Azimio and its supporters will also observe five days of mourning in honour of Kenyans who lost their lives during the mass protests.
"We are going for individual responsibility, especially against police commanders. We will also take five days to help families mourn their loved ones," read the statement in part.
While echoing his statement, Azimio leader Raila Odinga confirmed that they would convene meetings on Wednesday with or without the police approval.
