Amid mounting public anger, Kenya's government faces intense scrutiny after a BBC investigation identified security forces involved in the deaths of protesters during anti-tax demonstrations. Human rights organizations demand accountability as calls for a public inquiry rise, highlighting the brutal response to the protests.
Calls for Accountability in Kenya After Violent Crackdown on Tax Protests
Calls for Accountability in Kenya After Violent Crackdown on Tax Protests
Human rights groups urge investigations into police and army killings of protesters following a BBC exposé revealing the use of deadly force during demonstrations.
More than 100,000 people rallied in Nairobi on June 25, 2024, demanding that lawmakers reject a controversial finance bill. Following the protests, a BBC Africa Eye investigation revealed security forces fatally shot three protesters outside the parliament, sparking a wave of outrage and calls for justice from leading human rights organizations like Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
These organizations insist that the involved officers must be held accountable for their actions. In response, the Kenyan government stated that "every life is important," with a spokesperson criticizing the BBC's documentary for lacking balance and perspective. They contended that the documentary did not adequately include the government's viewpoint, particularly regarding the extent of vandalism during the protests.
The BBC's documentary, titled "Blood Parliament," analyzed over 5,000 images and used open-source data to identify members of the police and military who opened fire on unarmed protesters. The violent suppression of the demonstrations reportedly resulted in at least 65 deaths and 89 reported disappearances, according to Amnesty, while the government reports a lower death toll of 42.
The BBC announced the cancellation of a private screening of the documentary in Nairobi, attributing the decision to pressure from authorities. A spokesperson expressed disappointment at the inability to present the film publicly but noted that it is available for viewing online.
Amnesty International stated that the documentary supported its previous findings of "unnecessary and excessive lethal force" used against protesters, urging both the police and military to disclose actions taken in light of these revelations. The KHRC condemned the involvement of "organized criminals" in police and military uniforms in the killings, placing responsibility on President William Ruto for the recent violence.
Public sentiment is strongly against the government, as many Kenyans take to social media to demand accountability for the actions of security personnel during the protests. Critics recall Ruto's defense of police practices amid accusations of brutality and his prior warning against commenting on military issues. Furthermore, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) announced ongoing investigations, revealing that of the 60 deaths under review, a majority involved gunshot wounds, and cases are still progressing through the judicial system.
Despite the backlash against the BBC documentary, some legislators support its truthfulness. A senator argued that the critical stories about violence must be shared for accountability. The rhetoric surrounding the documentary has polarized opinions in Kenya, with some calling for censorship while others insist on transparency and justice.
