4 Filmmakers Arrested Over BBC Documentary “Blood Parliament” Released

Four Filmmakers who were arrested over the making of BBC Documentary “Blood Parliament” have been released by the Police.

The four Nicholas Wambugu, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu and Christopher Wamae were released on free bond but without their devices that were confiscated by the police during their arrest on Friday, Night.

They were released without any charges after being booked for “false publication”.

Their lawyer said; “Been in touch with lawyers at Pangani police station and have been told that the film makers arrested last night are being charged with false publication in relation to the BBC documentary #BloodParliament . Their equipment was confiscated and they were made to give statements without legal representation. That this is happening on World Press freedom day begs a lot of questions about the objective in these arrests,”.

At the same time, the Kenya Film and Television Professionals Association (KFPTA) condemned the arrest of four young Kenyan filmmakers by police.

The association termed the incident a troubling attack on creative freedom as it called for their immediate release.

Nicholas Wambugu, Brian Adagala, Mark Denver Karubiu, and Christopher Wamae are said to have been arrested Friday night under unclear circumstances from their studio in Karen.

According to the Association’s chairperson, Ezekiel Onyango, Nicholas and Brian are being held at Pangani Police Station, while Mark and Christopher are in custody at Muthaiga Police Station.

“We have been granted permission to see them tomorrow morning (Saturday), and we will provide further updates on their well-being and the circumstances surrounding their arrest,” he stated.

The arrests come in the wake of BBC Africa Eye’s release of a 40-minute exposé alleging that Kenyan security forces used live ammunition on anti-tax protesters outside Parliament during the June 2024 Gen Z protests.

The film has sparked public outrage and drawn international attention to alleged extrajudicial killings.

In response, Director of Public Prosecutions Mulele Ingonga has ordered the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the events surrounding the protests.

Ingonga emphasized the documentary raised “serious concerns” about the use of force, possible misconduct, and violations of public order.