BBC documentary "Blood Parliament" to be screened in Kayole despite government pressure
Attendees have been urged to dress warmly and carry shukas, as the screening will run late into the night.
A public screening of the BBC's explosive documentary Blood Parliament is set to take place in Kayole, Nairobi, on Wednesday evening of April 30, as Kenyans push back against attempts by the authorities to suppress the exposé on alleged police killings during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
The screening is being organised by the Social Justice Travelling Theatre and the Kayole Community Justice Centre.
More To Read
According to a statement from the organisers, the event will take place from 7 pm at the Bidii Yetu hall in Matopeni. Attendees have been urged to dress warmly and carry shukas, as the screening will run late into the night.
“Tomorrow we will be screening Blood Parliament in Kayole. Our people must know who the enemies of the people are. Remember Not to Forget,” the statement read in part.
The decision to screen the 37-minute documentary follows a failed attempt to hold an official showing at Unseen Nairobi cinema on April 28. The screening, which was to include a panel discussion, was cancelled after authorities allegedly exerted pressure on the organisers.
“A screening of BBC Africa Eye’s Blood Parliament in Kenya was cancelled due to pressure from the authorities,” said a BBC spokesperson.
“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 documentary, released by BBC Africa Eye, investigates the events of June 25, 2024, when young Kenyans, popularly referred to as Gen Z, took to the streets to protest the controversial Finance Bill.
A BBC screengrab showing anti-government protestors accessing Parliament buildings on June 25, 2024.
It documents how digital mobilisation led to a powerful march on parliament and how the demonstrations were met with a brutal police crackdown.
The exposé reveals that security forces, including officers from various police units and the military, opened fire on protestors, resulting in at least 61 reported deaths. These revelations have sparked public outrage and reignited calls for justice and accountability.
"Truth gospel"
Organisers of the Kayole screening say their goal is to ensure that the truth reaches communities, especially those who have been directly affected by police violence. The Social Justice Travelling Theatre maintained that sharing the documentary in grassroots areas is vital in ensuring collective memory and awareness.
Journalist and activist Hanifa, who has backed the initiative, called on residents of Kayole and Nairobi at large to attend the screening in large numbers.
“Kayole people, turn up, turn up,” she posted in support of the event.
Other Topics To Read
The move to screen Blood Parliament in Kayole reflects growing frustration among citizens over government censorship and the shrinking space for public discourse.
Organisers say such grassroots events are a way of reclaiming the narrative and confronting power through community engagement.
Despite attempts to suppress the film, the documentary continues to gain traction online and remains available on the BBC Africa YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, community organisers are using the momentum to encourage more viewings across the country, promising that the demand for truth and justice will not be silenced.
Top Stories Today
