The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is facing a storm of public outrage after a BBC investigation alleged that a KDF soldier was caught on camera shooting protesters during the June 28, 2024, demonstrations at Parliament.
According to the BBC exposé aired this week, evidence including video footage and eyewitness testimonies points to a KDF operative aiming and opening fire on unarmed civilians who were fleeing from the Parliament grounds during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
The exposé reignited widespread anger, with Kenyans flocking to social media to express fury and disbelief at the alleged role of the military, which had previously been viewed as neutral and above internal political confrontations.
Hashtags such as #BloodParliament, and June25th, immediately began trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook. Many Kenyans accused the government and security forces of covering up extrajudicial killings and demanded that those responsible be held to account.
On the Defence Ministry’s official X handle, Kenyans flooded the comment section to condemn the military on a post in which they had put up to congratulate a marathon runner for her achievement at the London Marathon.
“Please surrender your arms to the people of kenya or we change the name of our country so that u remain terrorist we deal with yu….. Right now can’t control my anger against you…..i even thought our army could lead the country like Traore of Burkina Faso”
“I have no respect for you guys or any other person in uniform.With that F**k you guys and shame on you.”
“You hate and kill the very people you swore to protect, like really??? I have loved and cherished you to the core but as of today, we see you as murderers killing your own people, is that why you people use our taxes to kill us???”
“No country on Earth sends its army to shoot its own citizens , no matter the situation. Kasongo Defence Force has become the shame of the nation !.”
“Itabidi you people go on a meet the people tour sababu iyo documentary imechomaaaa…. we are okay with @NPSOfficial_KE doing criminal shenanigans, but KDF, buana we lauded you as the most professional kenyan institutions, all that down the drain…”
“This is betrayal of the highest order. Our military was supposed to protect the people, not turn their guns on us,” one user posted. Others shared videos, memorial graphics, and personal stories of friends and relatives affected by the June 28 violence.
However, sections of leaders have come out to defend the government’s actions.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai said Kenyans cant get themselves into criminal acts and think they will go without any retaliation.
“So if you breach parliament, you should be met with flowers and your favourite drink? Mnacheza! You don’t get into criminal acts and think it will be without costs. Security officers are there to protect life and property even with lethal force. Let’s stop ujinga!”
Civil society organizations and human rights groups also joined the outcry, calling for an independent inquiry into the killings. Amnesty International Kenya released a statement urging transparency, accountability, and the immediate prosecution of anyone found culpable, regardless of rank.
The KDF, in a short statement aired on the documentary, said it had taken note of the allegations, adding that the military unit deployed was responding to a threat to national security. However, the military urged the public to await legal proceedings, cautioning against “rushed conclusions.”
June 28 remains one of the darkest days in Kenya’s recent history, with dozens killed and hundreds injured during clashes between security forces and protesters.
The movement, largely driven by Gen Z activists, had gained international attention for its bold demands for economic reforms, transparency, and respect for human rights.
