Blood Parliament - BBC Africa Eye Documentary

This documentary investigates the events of June 25th, 2024, in Kenya, when widespread protests against the government's proposed Finance Bill culminated in violence and deaths at the Parliament building in Nairobi. The report meticulously reconstructs the day's events using thousands of photos and videos, identifying specific security forces personnel involved in the shootings of protestors David Chege, Erickson Mutisya, and Eric Shieni. It challenges the government's narrative that the protests were hijacked by criminals, presenting evidence that unarmed protestors were targeted by police and army officers. The documentary concludes by highlighting the impact of the Gen Z-led protests, which ultimately led to President Ruto withdrawing the Finance Bill, and the ongoing demand for accountability and justice for the victims.

Highlights:

• Finance Bill Opposition: The proposed 2024 Finance Bill, which aimed to address Kenya's debt problem through increased taxes, sparked widespread protests, particularly among young Kenyans (Gen Z), who felt the burden would disproportionately affect them.
• Escalation of Violence: Peaceful protests on June 25th, 2024, turned violent when security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protestors attempting to occupy Parliament.
• Identification of Shooters: BBC Africa Eye's investigation identified specific police and army officers involved in the deaths of protestors David Chege, Erickson Mutisya, and Eric Shieni, using photo and video evidence.
• Government Response and Aftermath: President Ruto initially defended the security forces' actions, blaming "organized criminals" for hijacking the protests, but later conceded and withdrew the Finance Bill in response to public pressure.

Key Insights:

• Citizen Power: The Gen Z-led protests demonstrated the power of citizen activism and the ability of ordinary people to influence government policy.
• Accountability Deficit: The documentary highlights a lack of accountability for the use of excessive force by security forces against protestors, raising concerns about impunity.
• Disparity in Narratives: The investigation reveals a significant discrepancy between the government's account of the events and the reality captured by citizen journalists and media on the ground.
• Impact of Social Media: The use of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram played a crucial role in mobilizing protestors and documenting the events as they unfolded.

Conclusion:

The events of June 25th, 2024, at Kenya's Parliament serve as a stark reminder of the importance of government accountability and the power of citizen activism. The documentary's meticulous investigation exposes the brutal reality of the day, challenging the official narrative and underscoring the need for justice for the victims and their families. The protests, driven by a generation demanding change, ultimately forced the government to reconsider its policies, demonstrating the potential for meaningful change when citizens unite and make their voices heard.