In a rapidly escalating situation in Kenya, human rights organizations are intensifying their calls for thorough investigations into the police and military personnel involved in the killings of protesters during anti-tax demonstrations in June 2024. This renewed demand follows a revealing exposé by BBC Africa Eye, which reported that security forces shot and killed three unarmed protesters outside the Parliament, igniting explosive public anger and mounting demands for justice.
The protests were sparked by the government's proposal of a contentious finance bill aimed at raising $2.7bn (£2bn) to decrease dependency on external borrowing. Over 100,000 demonstrators flooded the streets of Nairobi on 25 June, urging Members of Parliament to reject the proposed tax increases. Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have publicly stated that the identified officers in the documentary should "face the law".
The Kenyan government’s spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, responded critically to the BBC documentary, arguing that it presented a one-sided narrative. "Those who did the documentary should have sought government opinion... so that they can be fair and balanced," he asserted. Mwaura acknowledged that while the protesters had legitimate grievances, violence and vandalism should not dictate governance.
The BBC's investigation utilized open-source data and user-generated content to track incidents during the demonstrations. It identified uniformed personnel—a policeman and a soldier—who allegedly opened fire on the crowd, contributing to a wider crackdown that reportedly left at least 65 individuals dead, with the government placing the toll at 42.
In a concerning development, the BBC canceled a private screening of the documentary in Nairobi following pressure from authorities. A spokesperson expressed disappointment over the cancellation but confirmed that the film was available for viewing on BBC Africa's YouTube channel. Amnesty International endorsed the findings of the documentary, linking its conclusions with prior reports of excessive force used against demonstrators.
The KHRC described the soldiers deployed during the protests as "organised criminals in police and military uniforms," laying the blame for the fatalities at the feet of President William Ruto. Public uproar has spurred online campaigns urging the government to hold security officers accountable for their actions against peaceful protesters, amidst a wave of social media outrage.
Despite the gravity of the situation, no police officers have faced charges to date. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported ongoing investigations into 60 deaths, with 41 cases involving gunshot wounds acknowledged. The IPOA also stated that 233 injuries were recorded during the protests.
The political climate surrounding these events is fraught, as politicians align on various sides of the issue. Opposition voices have condemned the actions of the government, branding the killings premeditated. However, some government officials have warned that such portrayals could incite further violence, advocating for less vocal dissent on military matters.
In response to these developments, calls for transparency and justice continue, highlighting the ongoing struggle for human rights and accountability in Kenya during a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
