A vigil has been held in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, for more than 30 people who, according to rights groups, were killed in recent cost-of-living protests.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, attended the event, putting flowers and lighting a candle at a memorial spot where photos of some of those who perished were exhibited.
As a token of respect for those killed, Mr Odinga has delayed this week’s scheduled street anti-government protests over tax increases.
Across the country, such vigils are scheduled in the coming days.
The opposition alliance blames the deaths on police violence, while the interior ministry has defended the force’s reaction to widespread protests.
Earlier in the day, opposition leaders, including Mr Odinga, visited various Nairobi hospitals to check on those hurt during the protests.
Kalonzo Musyoka, an opposition lawmaker, said it was critical that justice be sought for them.
He stated that an announcement on additional protests would be made on Friday.
Critics accuse Mr Odinga of attempting to profit from the situation after losing the presidential race to William Ruto last year.
Diplomats and human rights organizations have urged the government and opposition to settle their disagreements amicably.
President Ruto has now offered to meet with Mr Odinga “one on one,” but the 78-year-old has informed the AFP news agency that he will not do so without the presence of a third-party mediator.
“He is not somebody you can trust. He keeps changing words. That is why I insist there must be a mediator between us,” he said.
