IHR Calls for Investigation into Gen Z Killings following BBC expose

The Geneva-based Institute for Human Rights (IHR) has expressed support for the BBC Africa Eye documentary that revealed the police  killings of Generation Z protestors in June of last year, urging the government to conduct an investigation.

The BBC, an international news organization, aired the documentary exposing these killings that occurred on June 25, 2024, during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protest.

David Koros, the President of IHR, described the killings depicted in the documentary as “a well-planned execution by state security forces.”

He remarked, “It is quite disturbing that the security forces were involved in the killing of innocent protestors. We demand the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).”

Koros also called for an independent inquiry into the killings and urged parliament to summon NIS Director Noordin Haji, the Inspector General, and the Director of Criminal Investigations to provide more information regarding the incidents.

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He criticized President William Ruto’s administration as one of the worst in terms of human rights violations and urged the international community to help ensure that Ruto does not secure a second term.

“I urge the international community not to allow President Ruto to run for another term due to the killings that occurred under his watch. He must not be permitted to continue with impunity,” he stated.

Koros is advocating for the enactment of a law that would prevent a sitting president who violates human rights from seeking a second term.

 “If MPs and Senators represent the interests of Kenyans, they should craft legislation to bar any sitting president from running for a second term if they violate human rights,” he added, indicating his willingness to prepare a draft bill.

His remarks followed an incident where government officials attempted to halt the screening of the documentary titled Blood Parliament, which investigated the police killings of anti-tax protestors outside parliament during last year's demonstrations.

This event was scheduled to take place at a cinema in Nairobi on Monday, but KTN aired the documentary instead.

The effort to stop the screening comes amid growing pressure on the government to hold security officers accountable for the unlawful killings and injuries inflicted on peaceful protestors.

The BBC reported that authorities intervened to block the event at the last minute.

The documentary closely examines several incidents, focusing heavily on the killing of Eric Shieni, a finance student at the University of Nairobi.

Shieni was shot from behind as he exited the Parliament grounds during the June 25, 2024 protests while unarmed.

The BBC stated that it reviewed over 150 images taken before and after Shieni was shot and was able to identify the responsible officer.

Although the officer’s name has not been officially disclosed, images of him have circulated widely on social media.

Despite these claims, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have denied the allegations made in the documentary.