Four Kenyan filmmakers who were arrested on Friday, May 2, 2025, have been released on a free bond in a case that has drawn sharp concern over the state of media freedom.
Nicholas Gichuki Wambugu, Brian Adagala, MarkDenver Karubiu, and Chris Wamae were picked up from their studio in Karen under unclear circumstances, with no immediate explanation given at the time of their arrest.
Their detention sparked widespread criticism online and from civil society over reports that their work may have been targeted due to its perceived connection to a high-profile investigative documentary by the BBC, ‘Blood Parliament.’
The filmmakers were held at separate locations—Gichuki and Adagala at Pangani Police Station, and Karubiu and Wamae at Muthaiga—only to be located hours later through the intervention of legal and media representatives.
Speaking on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after their release, lawyer Ian Mutiso, who represented the group, confirmed that the four were being investigated for allegedly publishing false information.
“From the perusal of the OB (Occurrence Book), it seems that they are likely going to be charged with publication of false information. We are yet to know the particulars of these charges,” Mutiso said.
The lawmaker noted that he was informed by police at Pangani that the operation was not under their jurisdiction and had been directed from the DCI headquarters.
“They have been released on free bond. There’s no cash bail, which has been demanded. The unfortunate part is that the DCIO for Pangani gave me some very concerning statements that this was not a matter that was under his purview, but he did inform me that this was being coordinated from DCI headquarters,” Mutiso stated.
Violation of constitutional rights
Mutiso mentioned that the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) would be pursuing the matter and seeking full disclosure regarding the basis for the arrests and the ongoing investigation.
He added that no court orders had been presented for the raid on the filmmakers’ office or the seizure of their equipment, including cameras and hard drives, a move he described as unlawful.
“At this particular juncture, it is very concerning. I did not even get to have a copy of the miscellaneous application on why their offices were raided. Ideally, the DCI should make a miscellaneous application in court to obtain such items, which hasn’t been done,” Mutiso said.
He also condemned the fact that the filmmakers’ statements were taken in the absence of legal counsel, calling it a violation of their constitutional rights.
“This is a society where we cannot allow police to act unjustifiably. Statements were taken without any advocates present — that is abuse of their rights,” he added.
Unshaken
One of the filmmakers, Nicholas Wambugu, briefly addressed the press following their release.
“For me, it’s just short. I want to say I’m happy for the people who came through — friends, family, even strangers,” he said.
When asked if he was scared during the experience, Wambugu appeared composed, saying, “Not really. I mean, we’ve just been told it’s a false publication thing, so I don’t know.”