A BBC Africa Eye investigation has identified members of Kenya’s security forces responsible for shooting and killing unarmed anti-tax protesters during demonstrations at parliament on 25 June 2024.
By analysing over 5,000 images, livestreams, and footage, the BBC reconstructed a detailed timeline of the deadly events. They matched the gear and movements of specific police officers and soldiers to the fatal shots, revealing clear violations of the protesters’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Among the victims were David Chege, a 39-year-old software engineer, Ericsson Mutisya, a 25-year-old butcher, and 27-year-old finance student Eric Shieni all unarmed and posing no threat when they were shot. Notably, one plain-clothes officer, identified as John Kaboi from Central Nairobi Police Station, was heard inciting officers to “kill” and later firing into the crowd.
Despite public outrage and parliamentary orders for an investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), no report has been issued and no officer has been held accountable. The Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) also stated they had not received any request to investigate their personnel involved in the operation.
The protests, largely led by Generation Z demonstrators mobilized on social media, were initially peaceful. As the crowd swelled to over 100,000, tensions escalated when security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and eventually live rounds.
Following the shootings and chaotic scenes inside the parliamentary grounds, President William Ruto thanked security forces for defending the nation against what he termed “organised criminals.” However, in the face of mounting pressure, he later announced the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Legal experts, including Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, have condemned the shootings as clear acts of extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.
More than a month later, families of the victims and human rights groups continue to demand answers, as the killings remain unresolved and the nation grapples with the trauma of that day.
