NAIROBI, Kenya- New evidence by BBC Africa Eye has exposed members of Kenya’s security forces responsible for shooting dead peaceful protesters outside parliament on 25 June 2024 — young, unarmed Kenyans who were fighting for their future.
In a painstaking analysis of over 5,000 images, BBC journalists traced fatal gunfire back to specific police and military officers.
Their findings confirm what millions suspected: protesters were killed while posing no threat, in cold blood, during a historic Gen Z-led uprising against harsh tax proposals.
Protesters, energized through social media, had flooded Nairobi’s streets early that morning.
What began as a peaceful carnival of music, flags, and hope turned bloody after lawmakers voted to pass the controversial Finance Bill.
Using camera metadata, livestreams, and public clocks, the BBC reconstructed key moments — including the killing of 39-year-old David Chege, 25-year-old Ericsson Mutisya, and 27-year-old Eric Shieni. All were unarmed.
In one harrowing moment, a plainclothes officer — identified by multiple sources as John Kaboi from Central Nairobi Police Station — was heard shouting “uaa!” (Swahili for “kill”), moments before live bullets felled protesters.
📽️ You can now watch the #BBCAfricaEye documentary, ‘Blood Parliament’ here: youtu.be/qz0f1yyf_eA
Shieni, a finance student, was shot in the back of the head as he tried to leave the parliament grounds, hands raised. A Kenyan soldier was linked to the fatal shot, BBC reports, but his identity remains unknown.
Despite public outcry, and an order from parliament for an independent investigation, no report has been released and no officer has faced justice.
“The aim was to kill those protesters,” said Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya.
“They could have arrested him. But instead, they became judge, jury, and executioner.”
The Kenyan police have deflected responsibility, saying investigations are the duty of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) similarly said they have not been asked to probe their own.
Meanwhile, brave young protesters like 26-year-old Ademba Allans — who was seen waving the Kenyan flag and rescuing the wounded — remember the day with heartbreak and defiance.
“I feared for my life,” he told the BBC. “But I also feared to let other people die when I could help.”
🇰🇪 In 2024, a protest at Kenya’s legislature was ended by the gunfire of security forces.To this day, those shooters’ faces have remained hidden.But now, #BBCAfricaEye can expose the men who spilled blood on the grounds of Kenya’s parliament.📽️ youtu.be/qz0f1yyf_eA
This reporting is based on investigations by BBC Africa Eye. Y News acknowledges and credits the BBC for their extensive analysis and documentation.
