Amnesty Kenya calls for probe into June 2024 protests after BBC documentary
Amnesty revealed that the findings in the documentary aligned with joint investigations carried out with other human rights organisations, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Human Rights Watch.
Amnesty Kenya has launched a petition calling for a public inquiry into the June 25, 2024 shootings outside Parliament, hours after the BBC aired a documentary revealing new evidence into the incident.
The documentary, titled Blood Parliament, captured widespread attention and intensified demands for justice for victims of the protests.
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Through social media platforms, Amnesty Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton encouraged Kenyans to watch the documentary and afterwards support the petition available on the organisation’s official website.
Houghton stressed the importance of independent judgment, asking Kenyans not to be swayed by online debates but to rely on the facts presented.
"Despite the distraction caused by #BBCForChaos, the reality is that lives were lost and families were shattered. Only the DCI, ODPP and IPOA can give them justice. Watch #BloodParliament and sign the petition calling for a public inquiry on the #OccupyParliament protests," Amnesty stated.
Amnesty Kenya further outlined on its website the heavy toll of the anti-finance bill protests, citing not only the tragic loss of lives but also the forced disappearance of at least 89 individuals during the protests.
The BBC documentary included interviews with prominent Kenyans who participated in the protests and presented a detailed analysis of thousands of photos and video clips.
Shooting at peaceful demonstrators
Shockingly, the investigation identified an officer believed to be from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and a National Police Service (NPS) officer as being involved in shooting at peaceful demonstrators.
Since the documentary’s broadcast on Sunday night, neither the KDF nor the NPS has issued a public response, a silence that has raised even more public concern.
Amnesty revealed that the findings in the documentary aligned with joint investigations carried out with other human rights organisations, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, and Medics for Kenya. These investigations shed more light on the events of June 25, 2024.
Their report stated that security forces used live bullets against unarmed protestors outside Parliament, resulting in at least six deaths. Three of these killings were specifically featured in the BBC’s documentary, deepening the call for accountability.
Excessive use of force
The investigations also documented excessive use of force against protestors, bystanders, and medics.
Authorities reportedly deployed tear gas, water cannons, and batons without discrimination, causing hundreds of injuries across the city.
Another grim finding was the abduction of 89 individuals during the protests, with many victims still missing several months later.
In a strong message to the public, Amnesty Kenya concluded the petition by urging all Kenyans to support the call for justice.
"Sign this petition to urge the government of Kenya to establish a commission of inquiry that will allow victims and other Kenyans to present evidence and investigate the June 25, 2024, police violence. This is a crucial step toward ensuring accountability for the unlawful use of force against protesters," the statement read.
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