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Unarmed Protesters Killed Outside Kenya’s Parliament: An Investigation
Recent revelations regarding the tragic events outside Kenya’s parliament last June have surfaced, shedding light on the identity of the security forces involved in the fatal shooting of anti-tax protesters. Analyses performed by the BBC indicate that the individuals who lost their lives were unarmed and posed no immediate threat.
The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution, yet the deaths sparked considerable outrage across the nation. Despite a parliamentary committee directing the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the incident, a comprehensive report has yet to be released, and accountability remains elusive.
Utilizing over 5,000 images, the BBC World Service team meticulously analyzed videos and photographs captured by protesters and journalists during the protests, establishing a timeline of events from that fateful day. Key moments were placed in a 3D model of the parliament building to trace the shots that resulted in the fatalities back to two specific individuals—a police officer and a soldier.
A Day of Protest
On June 25, 2024, the youth, popularly known as Gen Z protesters, began gathering in central Nairobi to express their dissent against a controversial finance bill that had sparked public discontent since its introduction on May 9. Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi described the scene as vibrant, stating, “It was a beautiful party.” The atmosphere reflected the enthusiasm of young protesters rallying for change.
Earlier demonstrations had already compelled lawmakers to withdraw tax increases affecting essential goods, highlighting a significant pushback against government policies. Protesters rallied one final time, focusing their efforts on parliament as MPs convened for the decisive vote.
As the clock approached 09:30, the final MPs entered the lower house. Outside, swelling crowds surged toward Parliament Road from multiple directions, creating a palpable tension in the air.
However, the mood shifted when police employed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, prompting escalating confrontations. By 13:00, over 100,000 people flooded the streets, determined to be heard. Media live broadcasts captured the chaos, as public livestreams documented the unfolding events.
Violence Erupts
Despite the ongoing turmoil, voting commenced inside the chamber at 14:14, where the Finance Bill 2024 passed with a 195-106 vote. Opposition members denounced the process and exited the chamber, igniting further unrest outside.
As tension escalated, protestors surged past police barriers, a scene marked by an abandoned police vehicle being set ablaze. Although initial attempts to breach the parliamentary grounds were met with significant resistance, the crowds managed to overpower security personnel, leading to a chaotic breach.
During this breach, a plain-clothes officer commanded the scene, shouting the word “uaa,” meaning “kill” in Swahili. Shortly thereafter, multiple gunshots rang out. In the aftermath, David Chege, a 39-year-old software engineer, and Ericsson Mutisya, a 25-year-old butcher, lay dead, along with several others injured, including one person left paralyzed.
Identifying Accountability
Subsequent investigations by the BBC highlighted the identity of the officer who fired the fatal shots, identified only by a distinctive uniform. Despite the clear indication of excessive force, no formal accountability actions have taken place against the officers involved.
The situation escalated further as another attempt to enter the parliament unfolded. Protesters again breached security, symbolically lifting their hands and waving flags while capturing the chaos on their mobile devices. Following significant destruction, they exited the premises, but challenges persisted.
At 15:04, shots rang out again, resulting in more casualties, including 27-year-old finance student Eric Shieni, who was shot and killed while exiting parliament grounds. Investigative work confirmed that he was unarmed at the time of his death.
Government Response and Continued Outrage
The response from the Kenyan government, coupled with the actions of security forces, led to widespread condemnation. Many human rights activists viewed the state’s approach as increasingly aggressive, raising alarms about police brutality targeting peaceful demonstrators.
As dusk fell, the aftermath of the events revealed a grim statistic: 39 fatalities and over 361 injuries reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Amidst the rising tensions, President William Ruto expressed appreciation for the security services’ actions, framing the protests as hijacked by “organised criminals.”
In a significant turn of events, the government subsequently withdrew the contentious finance bill, marking a pivotal victory for the protesters. President Ruto acknowledged the people’s outcry, announcing he would not endorse the bill into law.
However, despite these developments, transparency remains a significant issue as no security personnel have faced disciplinary measures, nor has any thorough investigation been released.
Conclusion
The profound impact of these events on Kenya’s social and political landscape continues to unfold. As public calls for justice resonate loudly, the need for accountability from security forces remains pressing, echoing the sentiments of a nation seeking redress.
Source
www.bbc.com