The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has responded to claims made by a BBC documentary alleging that one of its officers was among the security personnel who killed protesters on June 25 during the raid on Parliament.
In a statement, KDF said the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had not forwarded any enquiries, information, or requests to investigate any KDF personnel involved in the operations.
“IPOA has so far not forwarded any enquiries, information, or requests to investigate any KDF personnel involved in the operations. KDF remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and continues to operate strictly within the mandate granted by the Constitution,” read the statement.
The BBC documentary, titled “Blood Parliament,” reveals details of the events of June 25 when Parliament was breached during the Gen Z protests.
KDF Denies Shooting Protesters at Parliament
The documentary, which features several activists including Hanifa Adan, Boniface Mwangi, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, and student journalist Allans Odemba, unearths the shootings that occurred during the breach.
The BBC outlined the technology it used to identify members of the security forces involved in the killings, including camera metadata, livestream timings, and Republic clocks visible in footage. It also named the victims shot at Parliament.
According to the documentary, protests outside Parliament escalated after demonstrators learned that the Finance Bill 2024 had been passed shortly after 2:00 p.m. The protesters who were shot outside Parliament’s gate were David Chege and Erickson Mutisya.
Also Read: Gen Z Protests, Abductions Feature in Global Report Covering 120 Countries
Journalist Allans Odemba reported that Chege was shot beside him. Hanifa Adan added that one video captured a plain-clothes police officer shouting “uaa!”—Swahili for “kill.” Seconds later, another officer knelt down, gunshots were heard, and seven protesters collapsed.
David Chege, a 39-year-old software engineer and Sunday school teacher, and Erickson Mutisya, a 25-year-old butcher, died from gunshot wounds.
BBC Reveals Security Officers Who Shot Gen Z at Parliament
The BBC analysed over 5,000 photos and videos captured on the ground that day, using them alongside 3D reconstruction technology to map out the shootings.
In footage revealed by the BBC, police officers heading toward Parliament Road were seen kneeling and firing at protesters. Shortly after, a protester identified as Erickson collapsed.
According to the BBC, the two protesters were shot after a plain-clothes officer instructed uniformed police officers to open fire. After Erickson was shot, protesters carried his body outside the Parliament gates, where several opposition MPs had gathered after walking out following the bill’s passage.
Also Read: How Gen Z Protests Have Revived Historical Saba Saba Spirit
Inside Parliament, chaos ensued as protesters who had invaded the premises tried to flee while police fired at them.
The BBC identified protester Eric Shieni, who was caught in the commotion while trying to escape. It also identified the officer who shot Shieni as a KDF member, based on a badge seen on his uniform. The officer was wearing a white shoulder patch, matte green helmet, tan boots, and carried a solid-stock rifle.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
