BBC Cancels ‘Blood Parliament’ Documentary After Pushback From Kenyan Authorities
Kenyan officials exerted pressure on the BBC to cancel the screening of a documentary that uncovers police officers shooting unarmed anti-tax protestors outside Parliament during demonstrations held in June 2024.
Originally, the BBC had planned a private showing of the documentary at a cinema inside a Nairobi restaurant. However, authorities intervened.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson expressed regret over the cancellation: “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. In the meantime, audiences can watch the film on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel.”
The documentary has surfaced at a time when there is growing pressure on the Kenyan government to take action against rogue security officers accused of unlawfully killing and injuring dozens of peaceful demonstrators.
One case highlighted in the film is particularly disturbing. Eric Shieni, a Finance student from the University of Nairobi, was shot dead from behind while exiting the Parliament grounds. According to the BBC, he was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
Investigators from BBC Africa Eye reviewed more than 150 photographs captured before and after Shieni’s death. Through this extensive analysis, they were able to identify the soldier who allegedly fired the fatal shot to the back of his head.
While the shooter’s identity remains officially undisclosed, images of the alleged officer have been widely shared across social media platforms. The BBC report asserts that the shooter was a member of Kenya’s armed forces.
However, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have rejected these allegations. Responding to the BBC’s exposé, KDF Spokesperson Paul Njuguna stated that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had launched investigations into the events of June 25, 2024, but had not contacted KDF regarding any alleged misconduct by its personnel.
Mr. Njuguna explained, “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 the National Police Service during the period, nor have they published the report.”
He further emphasized that KDF remains committed to upholding the law and operates strictly within the constitutional framework.
Meanwhile, legal professionals are urging a thorough investigation. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) member Hosea Manwa spoke to the Nation, saying, “It is time the details in the exposé are investigated. In addition, if at all anyone is found guilty, then action should be taken against them.” Mr. Manwa, who has been involved in monitoring cases of disappearances linked to the protests, described it as deeply troubling that soldiers may have been implicated.
The gravity of the situation is highlighted by official statistics released by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who is now the Deputy President. According to government data, 42 people lost their lives, 132 went missing, and 1,208 were arrested during the protests.
Notably, it is unusual for KDF to be involved in internal protest management. Nonetheless, due to the scale and intensity of the demonstrations, Defence Minister Aden Duale authorized their deployment to assist the National Police Service. This move was formalized under Gazette Notice No. 7868 of 2024.
According to Kenya’s Constitution, specifically Article 241(3)(b), KDF’s primary role is to protect the country’s borders. Their deployment in domestic matters is a rare and legally sensitive occurrence.
Further deepening the controversy, BBC Africa Eye revealed that through the analysis of more than 5,000 images, it was evident that the protestors killed were unarmed and posed no credible threat at the time of their deaths.
Thus, the cancellation of the documentary’s Nairobi screening has drawn significant attention to the unresolved questions surrounding the actions of security forces during the protests. The situation underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and justice for the victims.
In Other News: Scandal: Cleophas Malala Reveals UDA’s Alleged Multi-Million Shilling Tax Evasion Scheme
BBC Cancels ‘Blood Parliament’ Documentary After Pushback From Kenyan Authorities
