Prominent human rights groups have once again urged comprehensive investigations into the deaths of demonstrators allegedly caused by Kenyan security forces during last June’s anti-tax protests.
Their renewed calls follow revelations from a BBC Africa Eye investigation that identified security force members responsible for the fatal shootings of three protesters outside Kenya’s parliament—an exposé that has provoked widespread public anger and calls for accountability.
Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have both insisted that the individuals identified in the documentary be held to account under the law.
Responding to the documentary, Kenya’s government spokesperson maintained that “every life is important,” highlighted an ongoing investigation by the police oversight body, and criticised the film for being “one-sided.”
“Those behind the documentary should have solicited government input to achieve balance and fairness,” said Isaac Mwaura.
He added, “For instance, the documentary shows Parliament being set on fire but omits who was responsible, and downplays the vandalism that occurred.”
Mwaura acknowledged that protesters had legitimate grievances with the proposed finance bill, but stated, “A nation cannot be governed by anarchy and disorder.”
The BBC reported it had invited government participation in the documentary.
The issue was also raised in Kenya’s parliament, where MP John Kiarie accused the BBC of advancing “a foreign agenda.” In contrast, MP Millie Odhiambo advocated a measured response to the protests’ aftermath, discouraging censorship of the media.
“The documentary has fuelled further anger among the youth. Media freedom must be upheld,” Odhiambo asserted.
Ahead of its broadcast, police stated they could not investigate themselves and reaffirmed that Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is tasked with probing allegations against security officers.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) informed the BBC that IPOA had not received any request to investigate military personnel involved in the parliamentary operations.
BBC Africa Eye’s Blood Parliament documentary detailed how security forces responded with force against young demonstrators who entered parliament on 25 June 2024, coinciding with the vote on contentious tax increases.
The disputed finance bill aimed to generate $2.7bn (£2bn) to decrease external borrowing, a move that triggered mass opposition and nationwide protests.
Leveraging open-source data and user-submitted footage, the BBC scrutinised over 5,000 images, identifying both a police officer and a soldier who opened fire, killing three unarmed protesters outside parliament.
Amnesty International reports that the broader crackdown on anti-finance bill demonstrations resulted in at least 65 deaths, 89 enforced disappearances, and thousands detained. according to Amnesty International.
By contrast, the government has cited a death toll of 42.
On Monday, the BBC announced it had cancelled a planned private screening of the documentary in Nairobi after pressure from the authorities.
“We regret being unable to present the documentary and panel discussion as scheduled,” a BBC spokesperson said.
“However, viewers can still access the documentary via BBC Africa’s YouTube channel,” the spokesperson added.
Amnesty International said the documentary corroborates its previous findings that “unnecessary and excessive lethal force was used on protesters.”
The organisation called on police and military leaders to “publicly outline the measures being taken in response to the BBC’s findings.”
The rights group also appealed to Kenyans to sign a petition demanding an official inquiry into #OccupyParliament protest-related fatalities.
KHRC accused the documentary of exposing the deployment of “organised criminals in police and military attire” with the intent to “murder unarmed Kenyans.”
They argued that “responsibility lies with President William Ruto and that he should be held to account.”
Anger continues to mount on social media, with Kenyans demanding the government hold security forces responsible for harming and killing peaceful demonstrators.
President Ruto has previously defended the police against brutality claims and recently cautioned against public commentary on military affairs.
Police authorities have repeatedly denied involvement in disappearances and killings, and to date, no officers have faced charges in connection with these events.
Following the documentary’s release, IPOA provided an update on its investigations.
Of the 60 protest-related deaths under examination, 41 were attributed to gunshot wounds, IPOA disclosed.
The oversight body stated it had completed 22 investigations, had 36 active cases, and two prosecutions before the courts.
A total of 233 injuries sustained during the protests were also officially recorded by IPOA.
The leading opposition alliance released a statement describing the “execution of peaceful protesters” as premeditated and sanctioned by senior officials.
Mwaura cautioned that the documentary risked “inciting violence,” while some lawmakers have called for a ban on BBC operations in Kenya.
MP George Peter Kaluma echoed this view, stating that the 37-minute programme threatens to “destabilise” the nation.
However, Senator Edwin Sifuna defended the documentary and rejected suggestions of fabrication.
“It is crucial that stories such as this are told from every perspective to further truth and justice. Those who object are wrestling with their own consciences,” Sifuna shared via X.
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