Leading human rights organisations have renewed calls for justice following a BBC Africa Eye investigation that identified security officers responsible for the fatal shooting of three protesters outside Kenya’s Parliament during anti-tax demonstrations in June 2024.
The documentary, Blood Parliament, has sparked public outrage by revealing how members of the police and military opened fire on unarmed demonstrators who had breached Parliament grounds on 25 June—the day lawmakers passed the controversial Finance Bill aimed at raising $2.7 billion in revenue.
Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) now say those identified in the film must face prosecution.
“The officers exposed in the documentary must face the law,” read a joint statement from the groups, adding that the evidence corroborates earlier claims of “unnecessary and excessive lethal force” used by security forces.
The revelations come amid a wider crackdown on protesters that, according to Amnesty, left at least 65 people dead, saw 89 forcibly disappeared, and thousands arrested. The Kenyan government has officially acknowledged 42 deaths.
The BBC cancelled a planned private screening of the documentary in Nairobi, citing “pressure from the authorities.”
“We are very disappointed not to have been able to share the documentary and panel discussion as planned,” a BBC spokesperson said, encouraging viewers to watch the documentary on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel.
Using over 5,000 open-source images and user-generated videos, the BBC investigation identified uniformed personnel—a police officer and a soldier—firing at peaceful protesters, raising serious questions about the state’s response to the #OccupyParliament movement.
KHRC described the shooters as “organised criminals in police and military uniforms” and blamed the deaths on “a system that deployed them to murder innocent Kenyans,” placing ultimate responsibility on President William Ruto’s administration.
“The responsibility rests with Ruto, who must be held accountable,” the KHRC stated.
Kenyans have taken to social media, demanding that the government act swiftly and transparently in addressing the killings. Despite the public outcry, no officers have been charged so far.
The police service has claimed it cannot investigate itself and pointed to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as the mandated body to look into such allegations. Meanwhile, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) said it had not received any requests for investigation from IPOA.
On Monday, IPOA confirmed it was investigating 60 protest-related deaths—41 of which involved gunshot wounds. Of these, 22 cases have been concluded, while 36 remain under active investigation. Two have proceeded to court. Additionally, IPOA said it has recorded 233 cases of protest-related injuries.
Opposition leaders reacted strongly, accusing the government of orchestrating a violent crackdown.
“The execution of peaceful protesters was premeditated and sanctioned at the highest levels,” said a joint statement from the opposition coalition, warning President Ruto’s administration against further bloodshed.
While the government is yet to formally respond to the documentary, some lawmakers have called for punitive action against the BBC. Homa Bay Town MP George Peter Kaluma suggested banning the broadcaster for allegedly “destabilising” the nation.
In contrast, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna defended the exposé, saying:
“There were no fabrications. We must allow such stories to be told for the sake of truth and justice. Those uncomfortable with them are wrestling with their own consciences.”
