Kenya Protest Killings: Rights Groups Demand Justice After BBC Exposé
Security Forces Accused of Excessive Force During Tax Protests
Leading human rights organizations have intensified calls for investigations into the killing of protesters by Kenya’s security forces during June 2024 demonstrations against tax hikes. The renewed demands follow a BBC Africa Eye investigation that exposed security personnel who shot dead three protesters at Kenya’s parliament.
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Government Response and Criticism
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura acknowledged “every life is important” but criticized the documentary as “one-sided,” claiming it failed to show parliament vandalism. While admitting protesters had legitimate concerns about the controversial finance bill, Mwaura warned against “anarchy and mayhem.”
Documentary Findings
The BBC’s Blood Parliament documentary used open-source analysis of 5,000+ images to identify uniformed personnel who fired on unarmed protesters. Amnesty International reports at least 65 deaths during the protests, while the government acknowledges 42 fatalities.
Investigation Status
Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) revealed:
- 60 deaths under investigation (41 by gunfire)
- 22 cases completed
- 36 active investigations
- 233 recorded injuries
Political Reactions
While some lawmakers accused the BBC of pushing a “foreign agenda,” opposition figures defended the documentary. Senator Edwin Sifuna stated: “We must encourage these stories to be told from all angles for the sake of truth and justice.”
Human Rights Demands
Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission demand:
- Officers identified in the documentary face legal consequences
- Police and military publicly address the findings
- Public inquiry into protest killings
The BBC cancelled a Nairobi screening due to government pressure, making the documentary available on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel instead.
Source: BBC News