Kenyans slam MPs for attacking BBC over 'Blood Parliament' documentary

A political firestorm has erupted in Kenya following scathing criticism by government officials and lawmakers against the BBC documentary Blood Parliament.

The documentary sheds light on the brutal killings of protestors during the Gen Z anti-finance demonstrations.

‘Blood Parliament’s teaser boldly declared its mission to expose the "men who spilled blood on the grounds of Kenya’s parliament", has sent ripples through the country. 

But while it struck a chord with many citizens, some political leaders responded with hostility, a move that has provoked widespread outrage from Kenyans online.

Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi sparked fury after appearing to trivialise the deaths captured in the film. 

“People are killed, we sympathise and move on,” he said in Parliament, questioning why the documentary had drawn so much attention. “They [BBC] have never talked about what is happening in Gaza.”

His comments were met with an immediate and blistering response on social media.

One user, @willingtonochi4, called the remarks “a chilling reflection of how easily societies normalise tragedy,” 

@awaringa, asked, “What if his son or daughter is killed? Would he just move on, especially without justice?”

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura added to the chorus of dismissal, accusing the BBC of bias and failing to present a balanced picture. 

“They showed the parliament being burnt but did not show who did it,” he said, adding that the vandalism inside the chambers had been minimised and that the government had formally raised the issue with the broadcaster.

Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma delivered an even harsher rebuke, suggesting the film was part of a plot to destabilise the country. 

“It is unfortunate @BBCAfrica has not been sanctioned, over 24 hours after publishing that distorted documentary,” Kaluma posted on X. “Its title, timing, and twisted content is clearly intended to destabilise Kenya.”

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, better known as KJ, questioned whether the BBC’s funding by British taxpayers indicated ulterior motives. 

“We must know, is BBC speaking as a mouthpiece of the British government? Could it be an attempt to arm-twist this country over BATUK training?”

However, their statements only fuelled more anger from citizens who saw the leaders’ reactions as callous and dismissive of the pain many young Kenyans felt. 

The documentary, many noted, had merely laid bare uncomfortable truths.

Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo offered a more measured response, warning that the backlash against the film could worsen tensions. 

“From the young people that have spoken, it has actually created more anger,” she said. “Let this parliament take the mandate. You cannot stop the media.”

In a rare show of support for the documentary, former nominated senator Millicent Omanga urged her colleagues to reflect rather than deflect. 

“Rather than directing anger at journalists for doing their job,” she said, “we should foster a culture of inclusive and participatory leadership to address critical national issues and prevent such occurrences in the future.”