Where to watch BBC’s ‘Blood Parliament’ Documentary Screening in Kenya

In a move that has sparked widespread concern over press freedom and government transparency, Kenyan authorities have blocked the public screening of the BBC’s investigative documentary, Blood Parliament.

The film delves into the fatal police shootings during the 2024 anti-tax protests in Nairobi, where over 60 demonstrators lost their lives.

The documentary was scheduled for a public viewing at Unseen Nairobi cinema on Monday evening, accompanied by a panel discussion. However, the event was abruptly canceled due to pressure from the authorities.

A BBC spokesperson expressed disappointment over the cancellation, emphasizing the importance of sharing the documentary’s findings with the public.

Despite the screening being halted, the film remains accessible on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel, where it has garnered over two million views within a day of publication.

Blood Parliament presents a meticulous investigation into the events of June 25, 2024, when youth-led demonstrations against the Finance Bill escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement.

The BBC team analyzed over 5,000 images to reconstruct the sequence of events, identifying specific officers involved in the shootings. Among those highlighted is Officer Job Kaboi from Nairobi’s Central Police Station, seen mobilizing colleagues during the crackdown.

The documentary also implicates a Kenya Defence Forces officer in the shooting of 26-year-old University of Nairobi student, Eric Shieni.

The release of the documentary has reignited calls for accountability and justice. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported that it had completed 22 investigations related to the 60 deaths, with 36 cases still under review.

However, the IPOA cited challenges such as non-cooperation from police officers and witnesses, which have hampered the progress of some investigations.

This incident adds to a growing list of concerns regarding media freedom in Kenya. In recent years, the government has been criticized for its handling of media coverage during politically sensitive events.

For instance, in 2018, several major television stations were taken off-air for attempting to broadcast opposition leader Raila Odinga’s unofficial “inauguration,” an act the government deemed a threat to national security. 

The blocking of Blood Parliament underscores the ongoing tension between the Kenyan government’s actions and the principles of press freedom and transparency.

As the public continues to demand accountability, the role of independent journalism remains crucial in shedding light on issues of national importance.

For those interested, Blood Parliament is available for viewing on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel.