Homa Bay MP Calls for BBC Ban in Kenya After Exposé Linking KDF to Parliament Killings

A major political storm has erupted in Kenya following calls by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma to revoke the operating license of BBC Africa in the country. His demand follows the release of the BBC Africa Eye documentary Blood Parliament, which investigates the deadly June 25, 2024 protests in Nairobi.

The documentary, released on Sunday, April 27, shines a spotlight on the alleged involvement of security forces—including a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer—in the killing of unarmed protesters during demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The exposé has triggered public outrage and political debate over media freedom, accountability, and state violence.

MP Kaluma took to social media to denounce the documentary, calling it “twisted, partial, reckless, and intended to incite chaos 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 posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The post, which has since been deleted, accused BBC of spreading inflammatory content and demanded swift action from Kenyan authorities. “The relevant agencies of the government of Kenya must act fast to withdraw BBC Africa’s licence in Kenya,” he wrote.

The documentary links a KDF officer to a protester’s death and underscores a worrying lack of accountability by state institutions. It also presents disturbing footage and interviews with victims’ families and eyewitnesses, painting a grim picture of the events that unfolded outside Parliament last year.

Just hours after its online release, a private screening of Blood Parliament at Unseen Nairobi was abruptly canceled. The event, scheduled for 6:00 PM, was to feature a panel discussion with journalists and rights activists. Organizers informed guests of the cancellation via message, citing unforeseen challenges, and promised alternative arrangements.

Despite the cancellation, BBC Africa Eye confirmed that the documentary remains available for public viewing on its YouTube channel.

Human rights groups and opposition leaders have condemned MP Kaluma’s remarks, saying attempts to censor the media undermine freedom of the press and the public’s right to know.

As debate rages, the nation remains divided—with some supporting the exposé as necessary journalism, while others question its timing and motives.

The unfolding controversy now puts the spotlight on the government’s commitment to transparency and justice in post-protest Kenya.

In other news:Vatican Announces May 7 Start Date for Election of New Pope

Homa Bay MP Calls for BBC Ban in Kenya After Exposé Linking KDF to Parliament Killings