Unframing the frame: A content analysis of BBC’s “Blood Parliament” documentary on Kenyan protests

Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh; Caleb Oira Ratemo

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.2.44

Authors

Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh Moi University https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2816-6085
Caleb Oira Ratemo Moi University, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0763-5580

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.2.44

Keywords:

Epistemic Justice, Media Framing, Narrative Power, Neo-Colonialism, Unframing the Frame

Abstract

This article critically examines the BBC’s Blood Parliament documentary on the fatal police shootings in Kenya during June 25, 2024, anti-tax protests. The objective of the study is to address the rarely discussed issue of how the international media continues to narrate political crisis in Africa through western lenses rooted in colonial legacies. The study adopted qualitative research design using critical content analysis and visual deconstruction. It evaluated the documentary’s role in shaping narratives of state violence, protests and political legitimacy. Findings reveal that the documentary used emotional appeal at the expense of contextual complexity, and framed culpability narrowly by relying on exposure of junior security officers rather than systematic reform as a remedy. Findings also indicate that the documentary excluded Kenyan government and pro-government local voices. It also excluded the role of the colonial powers and skewed global economic systems in the political crisis in Kenya that resulted in anti-tax protests in June 2024. The study concludes that international media must recognize their ethical responsibility when narrating high-stakes political events in post-colonial Africa. It recommends conflict-sensitive journalism that is grounded on inclusivity, historical context and ethically-informed journalism. Furthermore, it calls on state institutions to develop robust legal, forensic and communicative capacities for self-accountability, and urges the implicated security officers to exercise their right of reply.

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Author Biographies

Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh, Moi University

Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh is a political strategist, communication expert, and PhD candidate in Communication Studies at Moi University. He has close to 20 years of journalism experience and he is the former head of BBC Somali Service, where he led impactful digital programming. He also serves as a Member of Board of Directors at Amnesty International Kenya. His academic work focuses on media representation of Muslim communities in Kenya, with published research on countering stigma and promoting balanced narratives. Abdullahi is also a seasoned journalist and columnist, contributing to major Kenyan newspapers like the Daily Nation and The Star. He plays an active role in political advocacy and public discourse, using his expertise to support democratic governance and civic engagement in East Africa. His voice remains influential across media, academia, and politics.
Caleb Oira Ratemo, Moi University, Kenya

Caleb Oira Ratemo is a Kenyan postgraduate student pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Communication studies at Moi University. He has over 15 years of journalism experience both in the newsroom, outside consultancy and university teaching. Armed with both Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies and Master of Arts in Communication Studies (Development Communication) from the University of Nairobi, Caleb has served as current affairs and development reporter, producer and editor at K24TV. He has attended numerous media trainings and facilitated some. Until February 2022 Caleb was the inaugural Managing Editor for Undugu TV in Machakos, Kenya. Caleb teaches at University where he also mentors aspiring journalists, encouraging them to uphold the highest standards of the profession. He has a keen interest in Health Communication, Journalism and Crisis Communication.

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