Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma has urged the government to withdraw the operating license for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) following the release of its ‘Blood Parliament’ documentary that unmasked alleged killer Kenya Defence Force (KDF) Officers during the June 2024 Gen Z protests.
The vocal MP has accused the BBC of failing to ensure balance in its reporting adding that the report, which has gained over a million views on Youtube in less than twenty-four hours, risks destabilising the country.
“Ban BBC Africa 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,” wrote Kaluma on X.
He added: “The documentary is twisted, partial, reckless, and intended to incite chaos in Kenya. The relevant agencies of the government of Kenya must act fast to withdraw the BBC license in Kenya.”
Further, Kaluma cited the 1994 Rwanda genocide which was partly blamed on the role played by the media, warning that Kenya could suffer a similar fate.
According to the BBC, the story released on Monday, was a result of a lengthy and rigorous investigation which involved analysis of over five thousand images captured at the Parliament Building when angry, mostly young, protesters invaded parliament in a historic move.
The security officers manning the facility opened fire, shooting indiscriminately at the protesters, killing some people while others escaped with injuries.
The 37-minute-long video unmasked three of the alleged perpetrators who killed three protesters including Eric Chege, Ericson Mutisya and Eric Shieni, a 27-year old finance student.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, Activists Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan, and Allan Ademba, a student journalist who was at the centre of the events as they unfolded, were among those featured.
“BBC didn’t twist anything. They held up a mirror and you didn’t like the reflection,” said Yusuf Mahat in response to Kaluma adding, “Silencing the press won’t erase the bloodstains. It only proves you’re scared the truth is louder than your propaganda.”
Additionally, Lawyer Willis Otieno equated Kaluma’s proposal to ‘tantrums’ urging the legislator to offer facts that counter the finding of the British broadcaster.
“A mind truly committed to justice seeks accountability, not bans,” he remarked.
