CSOs Condemn BBC Documentary as Misleading, Call for Balanced Reporting on Kenya’s June 2024 Protests

By Brenda Asugu

30 April 2025 | Nairobi

The Multi-Sectoral Forum for CSOs Dialogue with Government has sharply criticised the BBC Africa Eye documentary “Blood Parliament”, accusing it of presenting a skewed and emotionally manipulative narrative of the events that unfolded outside Kenya’s Parliament on 25 June 2024.

In a strongly worded statement issued on 30 April, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom while condemning what it termed the documentary’s "selective presentation of events," use of "partisan sources," and "omission of critical political, historical, and security contexts."

“We uphold the principle of a free press as essential to any democracy. However, the documentary’s framing risks delegitimising Kenya’s constitutional order and projects a distorted view consistent with neo-colonial narratives,” the statement read.

The CSO-Government platform acknowledged the tragic loss of life during the protests and extended condolences to affected families, stressing that both civilian and security casualties represent “profound human loss.”

However, the group challenged the documentary’s portrayal of security forces as indiscriminately violent, pointing to verified reports from international media — including Reuters and The Guardian — that cited violent actions by some protesters, including arson, vandalism, and breaches of parliamentary security.

The statement criticised the film’s use of slow-motion footage, sombre music, and emotionally charged language such as “massacre” and “bloodbath,” arguing that such techniques prioritise provocation over truth and nuance.

“Such editorial strategies are designed to galvanise outrage, not to inform constructive policy discourse,” the Forum said, accusing the documentary of excluding official voices and relying heavily on anonymous and politically affiliated sources.

Drawing comparisons with how similar events were covered in Western democracies — notably the 2021 US Capitol riots — the Forum decried what it called “evident double standards” in BBC reporting.

“Security forces protecting democratic institutions were valorised in the West, yet Kenya’s response is framed as authoritarian,” the Forum noted.

The CSO-government alliance also highlighted legal proceedings initiated against individuals linked to the protests, including cases of alleged incitement and financial irregularities, asserting that due process was followed but not mentioned in the film.

While acknowledging the need for accountability in cases of excessive force, the Forum cautioned against using isolated incidents to undermine the integrity of the Kenyan state.

“Kenya must pursue both reform and stability without conceding its sovereignty to externally driven narratives,” the statement read.

The Forum reiterated its commitment to democratic progress through ethical journalism, peaceful protest, security sector reform, and respect for rule of law. It also urged introspection among civil society actors who may be influenced by crisis-driven funding agendas.

In conclusion, the Forum called on both domestic and international actors to engage with Kenya's realities “fairly and respectfully,” asserting: “Kenya’s healing belongs to Kenyans. Its future will not be outsourced.”