A new BBC Africa Eye documentary, "Blood Parliament," has sent shockwaves across Kenya and the international community, meticulously investigating the tragic events of June 25, 2024, when protests against a controversial finance bill turned deadly on the grounds of Kenya's parliament.
The 37-minute documentary, released in late April 2025, reconstructs the day thousands of predominantly young Kenyans marched to parliament to prevent the passing of the 2024 Finance Bill. What began as a vibrant, youth-led demonstration against proposed tax hikes escalated into a scene of chaos, tear gas, truncheons, and ultimately, lethal gunfire.
"Blood Parliament" employs open-source intelligence (OSINT) and forensic techniques, analyzing over 5,000 images and user-generated content, to shed light on the actions of security forces. The investigation identifies uniformed security personnel, including a police officer and a soldier, who allegedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of at least three unarmed protesters. These victims were ordinary citizens – students, shopkeepers, and even Sunday school teachers – whose lives were cut short.
The documentary highlights a significant discrepancy in the reported death toll. While Amnesty International stated that the wider clampdown on the series of protests left at least 65 people dead and 89 forcibly disappeared, the Kenyan government's official figure stood at 42 deaths. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) later revealed that of 60 deaths under investigation, 41 involved gunshot wounds, with over 230 injuries recorded during the demonstrations.
Key Themes and Revelations:
- Excessive Force: "Blood Parliament" corroborates earlier reports by human rights groups, suggesting that "unnecessary and excessive lethal force was used against protesters."
- Quest for Accountability: A central theme is the demand for justice and accountability for the killings. To date, no security officers have been charged in relation to the deaths at parliament.
- The Power of Youth: The documentary underscores the significant role of Kenya's youth, often referred to as Gen Z, in mobilizing and leading the #OccupyParliament protests.
- Freedom of Expression Under Scrutiny: The film's release has not been without challenges. A private screening in Nairobi was reportedly cancelled due to pressure from authorities. More recently, in early May 2025, four filmmakers connected to the documentary were arrested, raising concerns about press freedom and the silencing of critical voices in Kenya.
Reactions and Impact:
The documentary has ignited a firestorm of reactions:
- Human Rights Organizations: Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have amplified their calls for thorough and independent investigations into the actions of the security forces. They insist that the officers identified in the documentary must "face the law," with KHRC stating the film revealed how "organised criminals in police and military uniforms" were deployed.
- Kenyan Government: Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura criticized the BBC documentary as "one-sided," arguing it failed to adequately portray the alleged vandalization of parliament by protesters and risked "inciting Kenyans to violence." He maintained that the police watchdog, IPOA, is conducting an investigation. The police service had earlier stated it could not investigate itself, deferring to IPOA's mandate.
- Parliamentary Debate: The documentary spurred debate within the Kenyan Parliament. Some MPs accused the BBC of pushing a "foreign agenda" and attempting to portray the country negatively, with one suggesting Kenya had "moved on" from the killings. Others, like Senator Edwin Sifuna, defended the documentary, asserting its contents were not fabricated and emphasizing the importance of allowing such stories to be told for truth and justice.
- Public Outcry: "Blood Parliament" has reportedly fueled further anger among young Kenyans, who have taken to social media to demand accountability. Activists like Allans Ademba, featured in the documentary, have publicly called for justice, directly addressing President Ruto regarding the events.
The Aftermath and the Road Ahead:
"Blood Parliament" serves as a crucial, if unsettling, record of a dark day in Kenya's recent history. It raises pressing questions about police brutality, the state's responsibility to protect its citizens, and the space for dissent and protest.
While the Kenyan government assures that investigations are ongoing, the pressure from human rights groups, the public, and now, a compelling visual investigation by BBC Africa Eye, continues to mount. The quest for truth, justice, and accountability for the blood spilt at Kenya's parliament is far from over.
"Blood Parliament" is available to watch on the BBC Africa YouTube channel. It is also available in Swahili, Hausa, and French.
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