Kenya Pressures BBC to Cancel Screening of Documentary on Parliament Protest Killings

Kenya’s authorities have pressured the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to cancel a screening of its investigative documentary “Blood Parliament,” which details police brutality during anti-tax protests at the Kenyan Parliament in June 2024.

The documentary, which was set to be screened at a Nairobi restaurant, focuses on the fatal shooting of University of Nairobi finance student Eric Shieni, who was reportedly shot in the back of the head while leaving parliament grounds during the protests.

“A screening of BBC Africa Eye’s ‘Blood Parliament in Kenya’ was cancelled due to 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 stated, noting that the film remains available on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel.

Through analysis of more than 150 images taken before and after Shieni’s death, BBC investigators claim to have identified the shooter as a member of Kenya’s armed forces.

The documentary suggests that Shieni was unarmed when he was killed.

The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) has rejected the BBC’s findings. KDF Spokesperson Paul Njuguna told the Nation that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had begun investigations into the protests but had not contacted KDF regarding any alleged involvement of its personnel.

“IPOA has so far not forwarded any enquiries, information or request to investigate any KDF personnel that were involved in the operations in support of NPS during the period, nor have they published the report,” Njuguna said, adding that KDF “remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law.”

The deployment of military forces during the protests was unusual, as KDF is primarily tasked with securing the country’s borders.

Then-Defense Minister Aden Duale authorized their deployment under Article 241 of the Kenyan Constitution to support the National Police Service during what was deemed a security emergency.

According to government figures released by former Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who is now Deputy President, the protests resulted in 42 deaths, 132 disappearances, and 1,208 arrests.

A 2024 report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights placed the death toll higher, stating that security forces killed at least 63 people and injured 600 others during what became known as the Gen-Z protests.

Law Society of Kenya member Hosea Manwa, who has been monitoring cases of disappearances linked to the protests, called the allegations concerning. “It is time the details in the expose are investigated. If anyone is found guilty, then action should be taken against them,” he said.

The BBC documentary reportedly analyzed over 5,000 images, concluding that those killed during the protests were unarmed and posed no threat to security forces.

The June 2024 demonstrations erupted in response to a controversial finance bill, with protestors storming Parliament buildings in scenes that ultimately led to significant political shifts in the country.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​