- Four local filmmakers linked to the BBC’s Blood Parliament have been arrested in Nairobi.
- They were taken from their Karen-based studio and are being held in Muthaiga and Pangani stations.
- The arrests follow a BBC exposé that highlights fatal police actions during the June 2024 tax protests.
- The documentary suggests a KDF officer may have been involved in the shootings—claims denied by the military.
- Rights groups are raising alarm over what they call suppression of press freedom.
A wave of concern has hit the media world after four Kenyan creatives tied to the controversial BBC documentary Blood Parliament were taken into police custody. The arrests happened early Saturday morning at a studio in Karen, with the filmmakers now being held at Muthaiga and Pangani police stations in Nairobi.
Who Are the Filmmakers?
The individuals detained are Chris Wamae, Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, and Mark Karubiu. These young storytellers were part of the team behind the BBC Africa Eye documentary that brought global attention to Kenya’s handling of last year’s anti-tax demonstrations.
Spotlight on Police Violence During Gen Z Protests
The Blood Parliament documentary runs for 40 minutes and investigates how peaceful protests outside Parliament in June 2024 turned deadly. The demonstrations were led mostly by young Kenyans—popularly referred to as Gen Z—who were opposing newly proposed tax laws. Several lives were lost in the clashes that followed.
Explosive Claim Sparks Military Denial
One of the biggest takeaways from the documentary is a claim that a Kenya Defence Forces officer may have been behind one of the shootings. However, the military has dismissed the allegation, and no official has confirmed the officer’s identity so far.
Human Rights Groups Speak Out
Since the arrests, various human rights organizations and advocates for press freedom have expressed deep concern. They view this as a direct attack on independent journalism and a worrying sign that critical reporting is under threat in Kenya.
Silence from the State
Despite the rising outrage and growing questions from both local and international communities, the Kenyan government has not yet released any formal comment on either the arrests or the content of the BBC investigation.
