NAIROBI, Kenya — A section of Members of Parliament have fiercely criticized the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over its recent documentary, “Blood Parliament,” accusing the international media outlet of promoting foreign interests and misrepresenting Kenya’s internal affairs.
The investigative piece, which aired last week, examined the deadly response to anti-government protests in June 2024 and alleged that security forces including the military received covert shoot-to-kill orders prior to official deployment.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie led the charge against the BBC, questioning both the timing and motivation behind the documentary.
“No one here supports violence against our people, but this documentary reeks of a foreign agenda,” Kiarie said.
“We must ask whether this is journalism or the mouthpiece of British foreign policy. Kenya cannot be lectured by a country whose soldiers have committed atrocities on our soil.”
He reminded Parliament of the historical tensions surrounding the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), emphasizing the conditional nature of its renewed mandate.
“This 13th Parliament only approved BATUK’s continued presence with a clear rider: they must face justice in Kenya for any crimes committed here,” he said.
“They are not above the law, and we must ensure sovereignty is respected.”
Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi echoed Kiarie’s sentiments, describing the film’s title Blood Parliament as intentionally provocative and damaging to Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“That title alone seeks to portray Parliament in the worst light possible,” Bashir said.
“Yes, we faced a difficult moment as a nation, but we are moving forward with reconciliation. Why didn’t the BBC make such a documentary after the Capitol Hill riots or on the civilian deaths in Gaza?”
He also criticized local media for rebroadcasting the documentary without critical analysis.
“It’s troubling that our own media aired this content without questioning its agenda. Foreign broadcasters cannot define our national narrative,”Bashir stated.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo supported the documentary’s focus, urging Parliament and the government to confront the underlying issues raised.
“The BBC is highlighting what we have chosen to ignore.We must take responsibility and pursue justice for the lives lost. Deflecting blame onto outsiders only delays necessary reforms,”Odhiambo said.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was among the most forceful critics of the BBC, calling for government intervention to limit the broadcaster’s presence in Kenya.
“This was not journalism it was propaganda wrapped in a documentary.If the BBC cannot operate within the bounds of factual and responsible reporting, they have no business being here. Our regulatory authorities must act,” Kaluma argued.
BBC defended the documentary, stating it was based on a rigorous analysis of more than 5,000 images, video clips, and first-hand testimonies.
The broadcaster said the project was aimed at shedding light on matters of public interest and holding power to account.
