NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan authorities blocked the screening of the BBC’s Blood Parliament, a documentary shedding light on the deadly police crackdown during last year’s anti-tax protests in Nairobi, according to sources.
The documentary, produced by BBC Africa Eye, was scheduled to screen at the Unseen Nairobi cinema on Monday evening, accompanied by a panel discussion, but was abruptly canceled under pressure from the government.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the cancellation, expressing disappointment over the authorities’ intervention.
“A screening of BBC Africa Eye’s Blood Parliament in Kenya was cancelled due to pressure from the authorities,” the spokesperson said. “We are very disappointed not to have been able to share the documentary and panel discussion as planned. In the meantime, audiences can watch the film on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel.”
The Blood Parliament documentary delves into the deadly violence that took place during the anti-tax demonstrations in June and July 2024, sparked by the passage of the Finance Bill and the government’s policies.
Led by the youth movement known as Gen-Zs, the protests turned deadly, with over 60 people killed by police.
Mystery as Screening of Shocking BBC Documentary on Kenya’s June 25 Protests Abruptly Cancelled ynews.digital/governance/228… via @yNews_digital
Despite widespread violence, investigations into police misconduct have yet to yield results.
The film, which has garnered more than two million views on YouTube within a day of publication, critically examines the role of law enforcement in the killings, with a focus on police officers believed to have given orders for lethal force.
One officer, identified as Job Kaboi from Nairobi’s Central Police Station, is shown mobilizing colleagues to open fire on demonstrators.
The documentary also highlights the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), pinpointing a soldier as the individual responsible for the killing of 27-year-old University of Nairobi student Eric Shieni, who was shot in the head while fleeing the Parliament.
The documentary has reignited calls for accountability, urging authorities to arrest and prosecute the officers responsible for the deaths of the protestors.
In response to the renewed pressure, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported that it had completed 22 investigations into the 60 deaths recorded during the protests.
IPOA is currently investigating 36 more cases, with two cases in court.
However, IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan acknowledged challenges, including non-cooperation from police officers and witnesses, which has slowed the progress of some investigations.
In a related statement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is expected to issue a press release on Tuesday, following public outcry over the screening’s cancellation and the ongoing investigation into police actions during the protests.
Despite the setback, the documentary’s release has fueled further discussion on police brutality in Kenya and the need for justice for those who lost their lives during the protests.
The BBC has encouraged viewers to watch Blood Parliament on their YouTube channel, as the debate over police accountability continues to unfold.
A BBC Africa Eye investigation has spotlighted the bravery of 26-year-old student journalist Ademba Allans during the tragic June 25, 2024, protests in Nairobi, where security officers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators. ynews.digital/headline-3/bbc…
