Kaluma calls for ban of BBC in Kenya over Gen Z protests documentary
His remarks come as Kenyans shared on social media how heartbroken they have been after watching the BBC Investigative documentary
Homa Bay Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has now called for the banning of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) after its damning investigative piece that aired yesterday.
Taking to his social media handles, the lawmaker stated that the BBC needs to be banned, claiming it is aimed at inciting Kenyans, adding that it may crucial role in shaping societal conversations.
“Ban the BBC in Kenya. The role played by the media in any democracy is too important to be discharged irresponsibly. The media can build a greater democracy or destroy an otherwise stable state. Lest we forget, the Rwanda mass annihilation would not have occurred were it not for reckless media,” he said.
“Blood Parliament, a documentary by the BBC, 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’s Licence in Kenya,” he added.
His remarks come as Kenyans shared on social media how heartbroken they have been after watching the BBC Investigative documentary.
They wondered how the investigative agencies in the country and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have not submitted anything inquiries or suspended the officers who used force during last year’s anti-finance bill protests.
“Watching this, it hurts. It surely hurts!” Kiambu Senator Karung’o wa Thang’wa wrote.
“The BBC documentary touched me somewhere, man. To hell with this government and all it stands for. At least we know it isn’t standing with its citizens,” a social media user stated. “For the BBC to air such a documentary, after all this while and IPOA had not done anything, it is an indictment of IPOA. It is time that Kenyans asked if we need IPOA or not. They are a toothless organization and a burden to the taxpayer,” another lamented.
After watching the BBC documentary, Canadian-based Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna recalled having relayed information about hundreds of innocent people finished off in Githurai and cremated in Kahawa Barracks in June 2024, and called for investigations into the matter.
“At the very least, we must demand an INDEPENDENT investigation and judicial inquiry into the brutalities committed by police, military, NIS, and Kenya Forest Service between 2024 and 2025. We need accountability and justice for the victims,” he noted.
The months-long BBC documentary features the events of the June 25 anti-finance bill protests that culminated in the deaths of over 60 people. In the exposé, an analysis of over 5,000 images taken during the protests revealed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers were behind the shootings of at least three protestors.
