Outcry for Justice in Kenya Following BBC Investigation into Police and Military Violence

Following a BBC Africa Eye investigation revealing police and military involvement in the killings of protesters during anti-tax demonstrations, human rights groups urge for inquiries and accountability from the Kenyan government amidst rising public outrage.

Pressure is building for a thorough investigation into the actions of Kenya’s police and military following shocking revelations from a BBC Africa Eye documentary, which uncovered the fatal shooting of three protesters during widespread anti-tax demonstrations last June. More than 100,000 citizens rallied in Nairobi on June 25, demanding that members of parliament reject the controversial finance bill prompting widespread civil unrest.

Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have voiced their concerns, insisting that the identified officers in the documentary must face legal repercussions. The government has attempted to deflect criticism, with spokesperson Isaac Mwaura arguing that the BBC's portrayal is biased, claiming it did not adequately capture the full scope of events, including acts of vandalism by demonstrators. He acknowledged the protesters' grievances regarding the finance bill but warned against anarchy.

While the BBC had sought government participation, Mwaura noted that the police are under the oversight of Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for misconduct allegations, emphasizing the need for such investigations rather than internal reviews.

The documentary titled "Blood Parliament" revealed how security forces aggressively retaliated against demonstrators who confronted parliament on the day lawmakers approved a contentious tax increase aimed at generating $2.7 billion for government budgetary needs. In its analysis of over 5,000 images, the BBC identified security personnel—both police and military—who fatally shot unarmed demonstrators, contributing to more than 60 deaths during the protests, according to Amnesty International.

The fallout from the documentary has been significant, with the BBC canceling a scheduled screening in Nairobi amid government pressures. Despite disappointment from the BBC, audiences can access the documentary on their YouTube channel.

Amnesty argued that their previously published findings on excessive force used during the protests were corroborated by the documentary. They are calling on police and military officials to disclose steps being taken in response to the BBC’s revelations, urging citizens to back a petition for a public inquiry into the events surrounding the protests known as the #OccupyParliament movement.

The KHRC stated that the film effectively illustrated the role of “organized criminals in police and military uniforms” in the violence, with calls for accountability directed at President William Ruto, emphasizing the need for justice in light of these tragic events. Online, many Kenyans expressed outrage, demanding accountability from the security forces involved.

Despite the pressure, Ruto has defended police actions and cautioned against public commentary on military affairs. No officers have faced charges to date, prompting the IPOA to update the investigations, confirming they are probing 60 deaths, with 41 linked to gunfire.

The opposition has described the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters as a premeditated act sanctioned by high-ranking officials. Conversely, some government figures have condemned the documentary, arguing it risks inciting further violence. However, others, like senator Edwin Sifuna, have defended the need for open discourse, contending that honesty about these events is vital for the pursuit of justice.