BBC Investigation Exposes KDF Involvement in Gen Z Shootings During Invasion of Parliament
The anti-government protests that erupted on June 25 2024, culminating in the violent storming of the Parliament Buildings, left the nation in a state of shock.
What began as a series of peaceful demonstrations against the Finance Bill rapidly spiraled into chaos, with numerous casualties and international outcry over the brutality that unfolded.
However, emerging evidence suggests that the violence may not have been solely the result of clashes between the police and protesters. Instead, it is increasingly believed that highly trained officers, operating outside the normal ranks of the police, may have infiltrated the protests with the sole intention of escalating the violence.
The BBC, through a detailed investigation, has presented allegations that members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), particularly the Kenya Army, may have been involved in the shootings during the Gen Z protests.
According to this investigation, it was not just the police officers who opened fire on the unarmed civilians. In fact, the BBC’s findings suggest that soldiers from the KDF, typically tasked with national defense, may have taken part in these unlawful acts.
The BBC’s in-depth 37-minute documentary paints a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded on June 25. Using advanced digital data and video footage, the investigation traces the movements of multiple shooters during the protests.
One of the most shocking revelations concerns the shooter who was involved in the storming of the Parliament Buildings. Unlike the other plainclothes police officers on the scene, this individual appeared to be wearing a uniform that was notably different from the rest.
In the footage, the officer can be seen shouting “uaa!” while shooting into the crowd. His back is to the camera, but closer inspection reveals significant differences in his gear.
Unlike the standard equipment worn by the police, which includes body armor, riot shields, and standard headgear, this particular shooter’s uniform was distinct.
His neck guard, for instance, was turned upwards, a detail that immediately stood out. Further comparisons made by the BBC between this officer’s uniform and the gear worn by other police officers present at the scene revealed even more striking inconsistencies.
The BBC was able to match his distinctive uniform to another officer filmed moments later, where the individual deliberately concealed his face before shooting into the crowd.
The chilling part of the investigation is that the identity of this officer remains unknown, and to this day, no one has been able to confirm whether he was a member of the police, the military, or another group entirely. This lack of transparency has raised serious questions about who was really responsible for the deaths and injuries sustained by innocent protesters.
Among the allegations, the BBC investigation also uncovered claims that one of the shooters involved in the parliamentary incident was traced back to the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
This revelation alone has sparked a wave of suspicion and disbelief, as it suggests that the police may have been directly involved in the unlawful killings.
However, attempts to trace this officer’s movements or to verify his station assignment have proven futile. Despite official records indicating his presence at the Central Police Station, efforts to track down this officer have been unsuccessful.
The National Police Service (NPS), when asked to comment on the officer’s conduct, refused to provide any meaningful answers. In a statement, the NPS clarified that investigations into police conduct fall under the jurisdiction of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), leaving many to question whether the NPS was attempting to distance itself from the crisis.
The lack of accountability in this instance only deepens the perception of a cover-up, leaving the public and the international community in the dark about the true scale of the violence that took place.
As for the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the shootings, the military has issued a firm denial. In a statement, the KDF insisted that its forces remain neutral and professional, categorically rejecting any claims that its officers participated in the killings.
This denial, however, has done little to dispel the growing suspicions that the KDF may have had a hand in the violence. With no independent investigation into the matter, the possibility that soldiers disguised as police officers participated in the crackdown remains unproven but deeply troubling.
The protests, which began in opposition to the controversial Finance Bill that sought to impose new taxes amounting to Ksh346 billion, rapidly escalated into one of the most violent uprisings in recent history.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported a staggering toll: 39 people dead and 361 injured in various parts of the country. The international community has watched with growing alarm as reports of police and military brutality emerged from the protests. Human rights organizations have condemned the violence, accusing the government of violating the rights of its own citizens.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the protests have severely damaged Kenya’s international reputation. The country, once seen as a beacon of stability in the region, now finds itself under scrutiny for its handling of dissent. The use of excessive force by law enforcement has raised concerns among international bodies, including the United Nations and several human rights organizations.
Despite the grave allegations against law enforcement and military personnel, the legal process has so far failed to bring those responsible to justice.
The only police officer to face any legal consequences for the violence is a member of the Central Police Station, who is facing charges of possible murder. However, the case has been marred by delays, with the trial postponed on March 10 after a key witness requested additional time to present essential documents.
The prolonged legal process has only fueled public frustration and further cast doubt on the willingness of the authorities to hold anyone accountable.
The questions surrounding the involvement of law enforcement and military personnel in the shootings remain unanswered. Was the violence planned by those in power, or was it a tragic accident born from chaos?
The lack of transparency and accountability has left the public in the dark, with many demanding an independent investigation into the events of June 25. Until the truth comes to light, Kenya will continue to grapple with the shocking events of that day—and the devastating consequences that followed.
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BBC Investigation Exposes KDF Involvement in Gen Z Shootings During Invasion of Parliament
