Four Kenyan film makers were arrested and detained in police custody in a dramatic raid at their studio in Karen, Nairobi.
They are under probe over claims of publishing false information and cyberbullying. The group is linked to the BBC documentary Blood Parliament which captured events of June 25, 2024 during the Gen Z protests over Finance Bill.
The four include — Nicholas Wambugu, Brian Adagala, Mark Denver Karubiu, and Christopher Wamae.
According to the Chairperson of the Kenya Film and Television Professionals Association (KFPTA) Ezekiel ‘Ezy’ Onyango, their equipment and data storage devices were seized during the operation.
“We have been informed that they are facing charges related to publishing false information and cyberbullying, and we call on the relevant authorities to provide full transparency regarding these charges and the conditions under which the filmmakers are being held,” he said in a statement.
“The Act, particularly Section 23, criminalizes false publication and has previously come under fire from digital rights groups for being vague and open to abuse.”
He said the association stands in full| solidarity with the arrested colleagues, their families, and the entire creative community. “We are mobilising legal and institutional support to ensure that justice is served, their safety is guaranteed, and the right of all filmmakers to create independently and without fear is upheld.”
“To my fellow creatives and the public, let me be clear: The criminalisation of filmmakers for carrying out their work is unacceptable. I know you’re frustrated, distressed, and upset, but I urge you to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive as we engage with the authorities to secure their immediate release,” he said.
While the specific content allegedly in violation remains unclear, sources close to the situation suggest the arrest may be linked to a recent documentary project exploring politically sensitive topics including the BBC’s Blood Parliament.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) have issued statements calling for immediate access to legal representation for the accused and a public explanation of the charges.
The filmmakers are being held at Muthaiga and Pangani police stations in Nairobi, activist Boniface Mwangi said.
A team of detectives had been trailing the group for grilling as part of the probe into the production.
There was no immediate comment from police over latest developments of May 2 and 3, 2025.
The reasons for their arrest is yet to be known but activists and friends believe it’s their alleged role in the production of the film that exposed police and military extrajudicial killings during the Gen Z protests.
It comes after the BBC released a 40-minute investigation revealing how Kenyan security forces opened fire on anti-tax protesters outside Parliament in June 2024, killing and injuring several people.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered investigations into events of Gen Z protests on Parliament on June 25, 2024.
This follows the recent exposé aired by the BBC Africa Eye programme, which investigated protesters’ access to the Kenyan Parliament during the 2024 Gen Z-led protests.
DPP Mulele Ingonga said the publicly available program highlights significant evidence and footage capturing the events that unfolded during that period.
“Notably, several individuals of interest were either clearly visible or mentioned in relation to the protesters access to parliament and other activities surrounding the protest.”
“This programme raises serious concerns about potential breaches of public order, as well as the use of force, possible misconduct, and the accountability of those involved including security forces and protest participants,” he said in a statement.
He ordered the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigate the issue.
But given some of those involved could be from the military, experts are calling for a wider involvement of other bodies in the probe.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
