Demands Intensify for Inquiry Into Kenya’s Security Forces Following BBC Investigation

Fri Mar 27 2026 06:37:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Human rights organizations are calling for accountability as a BBC investigation reveals the fatal actions of security forces during recent protests in Kenya.

Pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government to investigate police and military actions after a BBC exposé shows security forces shooting unarmed protesters during demonstrations against a controversial finance bill. Human rights groups emphasize the need for accountability following the deaths and injuries from the protests, with calls for public inquiry and justice for the victims.

The pressure continues to build for a thorough inquiry into the Kenyan police and army's conduct following a recent BBC Africa Eye investigation, which exposed the violent repression of protesters last June. The unrest erupted when demonstrators took to the streets of Nairobi against a finance bill aimed at generating $2.7 billion for the government, sparking widespread discontent and public outcry.

On June 25, 2024, security forces shot three unarmed protesters at the parliament, leading Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission to demand legal action against the identified officers. The Kenyan government has countered that the documentary presents a “one-sided” view, lacking the government's perspective.

"Those who created the documentary failed to capture the full context, including the vandalization of the parliament," stated government spokesman Isaac Mwaura, acknowledging the protesters' grievances but decrying the resulting "anarchy."

The BBC’s documentary has also led to heated discussions in parliament, with some MPs accusing the organization of promoting foreign interests while others urge a sober, responsible approach to the aftermath of the protests. Public sentiment, particularly among the youth, has been exacerbated, and there are calls for an independent investigation into the incidents.

The police have indicated that an independent body will oversee the inquiry, as their service cannot investigate itself. Parallelly, the Kenyan Defence Forces clarified that no requests had been made to investigate their personnel involved in the operations during the protests.

The documentary titled "Blood Parliament" illustrated the brutal clampdown on demonstrators and revealed that over 65 individuals were killed while at least 89 went missing. The government presented a lower death toll figure, sparking further outrage.

In a significant move, the BBC cancelled a planned public screening of the documentary in Nairobi due to governmental pressure, angering supporters of the documentary who can still view it online. Amnesty International also reiterated previous findings that excessive force was used, urging the police and military to disclose how they plan to address the findings from the BBC report.

Amid public backlash, calls for a petition for a public inquiry into the killings have arisen, with statements suggesting the president must be held accountable for these tragic events. No officers have been charged so far, sparking frustration among the populace over the lack of accountability.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is currently investigating the deaths tied to police actions, noting that many involved gunshot wounds. With investigations ongoing, the debate over media freedom and government conduct remains fraught, reflecting a nation grappling with the consequences of political unrest and the call for justice.