Homabay Township MP George Kaluma has sparked national debate by calling for the banning of BBC Africa in Kenya following the explosive release of the documentary Blood Parliament.
In a strongly-worded statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on April 28, Hon. George Kaluma condemned the British broadcaster, accusing it of endangering Kenya’s stability through “reckless” journalism. Kaluma warned that if left unchecked, such media reporting could plunge the nation into chaos, drawing historical parallels to the role of media in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
“BAN @BBCAfrica IN KENYA. The role played by the media in any democracy is too important to be discharged irresponsibly. The media can build greater democracy or destroy an otherwise stable State. Lest we forget, Rwanda Genocide would not have occurred were it not for reckless media,” Kaluma asserted.
He added:
“Blood Parliament documentary by @BBCAfrica is twisted, partial, reckless and intended to incite chaos in Kenya. The relevant agencies of the Government of Kenya must act fast to withdraw @BBCAfrica licence in Kenya.”
Kaluma’s comments have ignited fierce discussions online, with the Kenyan public, civil society organizations, and political leaders sharply divided over the contents and implications of the documentary.
Blood Parliament: The Documentary That Shook Kenya
The BBC documentary Blood Parliament is a chilling exposé that delves into the harrowing events surrounding the Gen Z-led protests against government policies. It unveils shocking footage and testimonies of state-sanctioned brutality against unarmed young protesters, many of whom paid the ultimate price for exercising their democratic rights.
The investigative piece offers raw footage of police officers using live ammunition on crowds, targeting young demonstrators, and issuing “shoot to kill” orders in broad daylight — outside the Parliament of Kenya.
One particularly haunting revelation is the role of specific law enforcement officers, such as Police Officer John Kaboi, who was captured on video shouting “shoot to kill” orders at his colleagues. In a tragic sequence, a second police officer is seen immediately obeying the order, fatally shooting two unarmed young Kenyans on the spot.
The documentary also exposes the controversial involvement of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel in the suppression of the protests. As per Kenya’s constitutional provisions, KDF deployment on domestic soil requires Parliamentary approval, a step that had reportedly not been taken by June 25 — the day when KDF soldiers allegedly shot civilians, according to BBC’s reporting.
A particularly heart-wrenching scene shows that Eric Shieni, one of the protesters, was fatally shot by a KDF officer. This raises serious questions about the accountability of top military and defense officials, including Chief of Defence Forces Charles Muriu Kahariri and then-Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
The Kenyan Government’s Refusal to Engage
According to BBC Africa, multiple attempts were made to secure official participation from the Government of Kenya during the production of the documentary. However, the government reportedly refused to provide interviews or comment on the allegations, a stance that many critics argue portrays an unwillingness to be transparent about its handling of the protests.
The documentary’s release comes at a time of heightened political tensions in the country, with youth-led activism increasingly challenging the political establishment over issues of governance, unemployment, corruption, and human rights abuses.
Public Reaction: Rage, Sadness, and Demands for Justice
The emotional impact of Blood Parliament on the Kenyan public has been profound. Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from outrage to deep sorrow.
One devastated youth shared:
“I haven’t slept until now. Just watched the BBC documentary ‘Blood Parliament’ and my heart is bleeding. I’m broken that there’s no justice for this kind of state-sanctioned brutality on its brave youths. Excellent investigative journalism!! One of the killer cops revealed is actually stationed at Central. I’ve run into him severally on the streets — he once fired teargas at my face while I was just walking.”
The comment continued:
“He was the one who shot David Chege and Erickson Mutisya. Never forget. Never forgive.”
Another viewer noted:
“Blood Parliament shows all those killer cops up close. It has completely unmasked them. Will justice be served eventually?”
These sentiments are echoed by thousands of young Kenyans who have taken to social media under trending hashtags such as #JusticeForGenZ, #BloodParliament, and #RutoMustGo, demanding accountability for the deaths and injuries inflicted on peaceful protesters.
Accusations Against KDF and the Legal Implications
Perhaps the most damning revelation from Blood Parliament is the implication of the KDF in the violence. According to BBC’s footage and investigative findings, KDF soldiers actively participated in suppressing the protests, resulting in civilian casualties — despite there being no parliamentary authorization for military deployment at that time.
The Kenyan Constitution, under Article 241, stipulates that KDF deployment internally can only occur under strict oversight and only when police forces are overwhelmed. Even then, Parliament must be informed within 24 hours, and public debate must follow.
The accusations levelled against senior military officials, including CDF Charles Muriu Kahariri and former CS Aden Duale, if proven, could amount to gross constitutional violations and potential crimes under both domestic and international law.
Calls for an independent international investigation are mounting, with several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, urging the government to allow for full transparency.
Political Ramifications: Kaluma vs. Critics
While MP George Kaluma’s call to ban BBC Africa has been welcomed by some segments of government-aligned supporters, it has been sharply criticized by others who argue that targeting the media only serves to mask the real issues at hand.
Political analysts warn that attempts to ban international media outlets could backfire, potentially leading to greater international scrutiny of Kenya’s human rights record. Some have pointed out that the freedom of the press is enshrined in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and is fundamental to a healthy democracy.
“The truth must be uncomfortable for those who perpetrate injustice. Shooting the messenger won’t erase the blood on the steps of Parliament,” tweeted one human rights lawyer.
Opposition leaders have also weighed in, with some suggesting that Kaluma’s call for censorship is an act of desperation by a government embarrassed by the revelations.
“Instead of banning BBC Africa, the government should be investigating the allegations and prosecuting those responsible,” said one senior opposition MP who requested anonymity.
BBC Africa’s Stand
BBC Africa has defended its journalistic integrity, stating that Blood Parliament was produced following rigorous journalistic standards, including offering the Government of Kenya an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
In an official statement, the BBC reiterated:
“We stand by our journalism. The documentary Blood Parliament is based on verified evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and expert analysis. We repeatedly requested the Government of Kenya’s participation, which was declined.”
The broadcaster emphasized that shedding light on issues of public interest and promoting accountability are central to its mission.
International Response
The documentary has also begun to draw international attention, with global media watchdogs and human rights groups expressing concern over the allegations.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued a statement urging Kenya to uphold press freedom and investigate the claims raised in the BBC documentary rather than silencing journalists.
Amnesty International has called for the immediate establishment of an independent commission to probe the alleged killings and the role of security forces.
What’s Next for Kenya?
As public anger simmers and political pressure builds, Kenya stands at a crossroads.
Will the government heed the calls for transparency and justice? Or will it double down on censorship and suppression, risking further alienation of the youth and international condemnation?
For now, what is certain is that Blood Parliament has opened a Pandora’s box that will be difficult — if not impossible — to close without serious repercussions.
