By Wahome Ngatia
The BBC’s explosive documentary Blood Parliament has reopened painful wounds and stirred raw emotions across Kenya. The exposé, which sheds light on the brutal crackdown during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024, has reignited public outrage and galvanized civil society organizations to demand accountability.
Below is a snapshot of how key civil rights organizations have responded to the revelations:
Civic Freedoms Forum
“It is unfortunate that Kenyans continue to be killed while exercising their constitutional rights. When will the Rule of Law finally be upheld?” the forum asked.
Referring to the BBC Africa documentary, the organization emphasized the urgency of justice: “With BBC Africa rehashing the unconstitutional events of June 25, we renew our demand for justice for all victims.”
Amnesty International Kenya
“The reality is lives were lost and families shattered,” the organization stated.
Amnesty Kenya called on key government institutions—the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)—to pursue justice.
They also encouraged the public to watch the Blood Parliament documentary and sign the petition demanding a public inquiry into the Occupy Parliament protests.
Vocal Africa
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Vocal Africa declared.
They urged immediate action: “We call for the swift arrest and prosecution of all officers identified in the BBC’s Blood Parliament documentary for the unlawful killings of Gen Z protestors on June 25, 2024.”
Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)
“The BBC’s Blood Parliament documentary has exposed that the three youths killed by police and a KDF officer during the storming of Parliament were innocent,” KHRC stated.
“The young men had not committed any crime. Contrary to President Ruto’s claims, they were not ‘organized criminals.’ It is the regime that deployed organized criminals—dressed in police and military uniforms—to murder innocent Kenyans.”
The documentary has reignited public discourse and pressure on authorities to confront the injustices of the Occupy Parliament protests. Civil society groups are now amplifying their calls for transparency, accountability, and justice for the slain Gen Z demonstrators.
