Four Kenyan Filmmakers Arrested Over ‘Blood Parliament’ Documentary Released Following Public Outcry
Four Kenyan filmmakers linked to the explosive BBC documentary Blood Parliament were released this morning. This is after spending a night in police custody. Their arrest had triggered widespread condemnation from Kenyans on social media and various human rights groups.
The filmmakers Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, and a fourth individual who remains unnamed were picked up at their studio in Nairobi’s Karen suburb. They were taken to different police stations and held without formal charges, raising concerns over the legality of their detention.
Social Media Storm Forces Government’s Hand
Shortly after news of the arrests broke, a massive online campaign erupted under the hashtag #FreeTheFilmmakers. Kenyans from all walks of life including artists, journalists, and civil society leaders joined in demanding their immediate release.
By Sunday night, the topic had trended nationally, putting immense pressure on authorities to act. Early Monday morning, all four were released without charge.
The Controversial ‘Blood Parliament’ Documentary
The documentary at the center of the storm, Blood Parliament, aired on the BBC last week and investigates the killing of unarmed protesters during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations outside the Kenyan Parliament. The film uses open-source video footage and eyewitness accounts to allegedly identify police officers responsible for the shootings.
Its release caused a stir both domestically and abroad, drawing renewed attention to police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Kenya.
Government Pushback and Investigations
In the wake of the film’s airing, government institutions responded with mixed reactions. While police authorities attempted to downplay the documentary’s findings. The Director of Public Prosecutions ordered a fresh investigation into the killings, directing the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take the lead.
At the same time, plans to publicly screen the documentary in Nairobi were abruptly cancelled due to mounting official pressure.
A Win for Press Freedom, But Concerns Remain
The release of the four filmmakers has been hailed as a victory for press freedom and public accountability. However, the arrest itself raises serious questions about the state’s tolerance for dissent and investigative journalism.
Activists and watchdog groups are now calling for legal reforms to better protect journalists and filmmakers who expose human rights violations.
As Kenya grapples with the issues raised in Blood Parliament, the hope among many citizens is that justice will follow not just for the filmmakers, but for the victims whose stories they told.
