BBC Investigation Implicates KDF Officers in 2024 Protest Violence

A BBC investigation has raised serious allegations against members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), linking them to acts of brutality during the anti-government protests of June 2024 that culminated in the storming of Parliament.

According to a 37-minute documentary, the BBC alleges that alongside regular police officers, shooters identified during the Gen Z protests may have originated from the Kenya Army. Through digital data analysis, the BBC documented the killing of dozens of young protestors. One key observation was that an armed individual at the Parliament grounds wore gear that differed significantly from that of plainclothes police officers, suggesting possible military involvement.

The individual was initially traced to the Central Police Station in Nairobi; however, subsequent efforts to verify his assignment were unsuccessful. The National Police Service (NPS) declined to comment, citing the Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s (IPOA) exclusive mandate to investigate police conduct. The Kenya Defence Forces categorically denied the allegations, reiterating their adherence to professionalism and political neutrality.

Following a week of intense demonstrations against a proposed Finance Bill seeking to raise Ksh346 billion in taxes, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 39 fatalities and 361 injuries across the country. These events placed Kenya under intense international scrutiny regarding human rights practices.

Currently, only one officer from Central Police Station is facing potential murder charges related to the protests. However, the case was adjourned on March 10 after a key witness sought additional time to provide essential documents.

The BBC revelations have renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability concerning the security agencies’ conduct during the 2024 protests.