Manyatta MP Challenges Government, KDF Over BBC Expose

In a fiery speech that sent shockwaves across the country, Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has called out the Kenyan government for its silence following a damning BBC expose.

Speaking passionately during a public event on Monday, April 28, Mukunji accused the authorities of negligence, cowardice, and disrespect to the families who lost loved ones during the Gen Z protests.

The BBC documentary titled ‘Blood Parliament’ has unearthed disturbing evidence implicating state forces in the killing of unarmed protesters.

Mukunji demands answers, justice, and compensation for the victims’ families, insisting that Kenya cannot afford to bury its head in the sand any longer.

BBC Expose Sparks Public Anger and Calls for Justice

The BBC expose Blood Parliament aired graphic details about the June 25 anti-finance bill protests, which left over 60 people dead. By analysing more than 5,000 images, BBC investigators linked officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the shooting of at least three protestors.

The documentary has ignited deep emotions among Kenyans, especially the youth who participated in the protests. Many took to social media platforms like X to express their anger and betrayal.

“The BBC documentary touched me somewhere, man. To hell with this government and all it stands for. At least we know it isn’t standing with its citizens,” wrote one user, capturing the bitter mood across the country.

Mukunji slammed the government for its failure to conduct thorough investigations or even acknowledge the gravity of the killings.

“It is a shame that we have to wait for an international media house to tell us what happened in our own streets,” Mukunji said. “The government should have already investigated, released its own findings, and taken action against the culprits.”

The MP emphasized that the youths who died were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. He urged the government to respect the memory of those killed by delivering justice and offering compensation to grieving families.

“They should compensate the families that lost their children because killing those young men was inhumane,” Mukunji stated.

His words resonated with many Kenyans who have long demanded accountability but have been met with silence or denials from the authorities.

Political Tensions Rise Over BBC Documentary

While Mukunji’s stance has been applauded by many, not all politicians shared his outrage. Some leaders lashed out at the BBC itself, accusing it of trying to destabilize Kenya.

Peter Kaluma, Member of Parliament for Homa Bay Town, called for the BBC to be banned from operating in Kenya.

“Ban the BBC in Kenya,” Kaluma declared. “The media can either build a democracy or destroy it. We must not allow reckless reporting to tear our country apart.”

Kaluma’s remarks sparked fresh debate about press freedom, government accountability, and the role of the media in democracy. However, critics argue that blaming the messenger does not change the painful truth revealed by the documentary.

Mukunji was clear that shooting the messenger would not solve anything. He insisted that the government owes Kenyans a full account of what happened and must take responsibility.

“If the government has an alternative version of events, they should release it. But the reality is that young Kenyans died while fighting for justice,” he said.

So far, the government has remained largely silent on the revelations from Blood Parliament. No new investigations have been announced, and no compensation plans for victims’ families have been discussed publicly.

This silence has only deepened the sense of betrayal among many Kenyans, especially the youth who feel abandoned by a government they once trusted to protect them.

For now, it seems the fight for justice will continue both on the streets and online, as more citizens, leaders, and organizations join calls for action.

Gitonga Mukunji’s strong message serves as a powerful reminder that the truth cannot be buried and that those in power must be held to account.