Calls for Accountability: Investigating Security Forces' Response to Kenya Protests

Following a BBC investigation highlighting the lethal force used by security forces against demonstrators in Kenya, human rights advocates are calling for accountability and a public inquiry into the killings of protesters during recent tax protests. The documentary has ignited widespread outrage, leading to government scrutiny and demands for justice.

Pressure is mounting in Kenya following a BBC Africa Eye investigation that exposed the killing of protesters by security forces during demonstrations against tax hikes in June 2024. The documentary revealed how security personnel shot dead three unarmed protesters during a pivotal moment at the Parliament, resulting in widespread public outrage and demands for justice.

Prominent human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), are calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of the identified officers, demanding that they "face the law.” The government has responded by asserting that “every life is important” while the police watchdog has initiated its investigation, although it criticized the BBC documentary as being "one-sided."

The BBC documentary, titled "Blood Parliament," showcased the violent response of security forces to demonstrators as they protested against a controversial finance bill aiming to raise $2.7 billion to reduce government reliance on foreign loans. The finance bill faced significant backlash from citizens, with over 100,000 people taking to the streets of Nairobi on June 25.

Using open-source data, the BBC identified uniformed personnel involved in the lethal response, which left at least 65 people dead and saw many others forcibly reported missing. The Kenyan government, however, has reported a lower death toll of 42. Following the documentary's release, the BBC canceled a private screening in Nairobi amidst pressure from authorities.

Amnesty International reiterated its stance that "unnecessary and excessive lethal force" had been used against peaceful protesters. They have urged police and military branches to clarify their response to the findings presented in the documentary. The KHRC stated the film revealed the deployment of “organized criminals in police and military uniforms” to carry out the violence, directly implicating President William Ruto in the accountability of these deaths.

Public response has been fierce, with citizens using social media to demand accountability from security forces. Following the BBC's exposé, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported that it is investigating the deaths and injuries related to the demonstrations, with 233 injury cases logged and ongoing investigations into 60 deaths, including 41 from gunshot wounds.

Political reactions are mixed, with oppositional voices declaring that the killings of peaceful protesters were premeditated acts authorized from high levels within the government. Conversely, government officials have criticized the documentary's portrayal, citing potential risks of inciting further violence.

Despite no officers being charged yet, the pressure for a public inquiry continues to grow as Kenyans seek justice in the face of extreme state violence during their protests.