NAIROBI, Kenya – The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-Kenya) has condemned the arrest of four independent film producers—Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, and Chris Wamae—and the seizure of their equipment during a dramatic police raid.
Although the filmmakers were released on bond, the group has called for the immediate dropping of “false publication” charges against them and the return of their confiscated equipment.
PRWG-Kenya, a coalition of national and grassroots organizations advocating for professional and accountable policing, expressed concern over the timing of the arrests, which occurred just before World Press Freedom Day.
The group labeled the actions as a violation of the filmmakers’ constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression (Article 33) and freedom of the media (Article 34).
This incident also contravenes the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 9), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCERS ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY Police Reforms Working Group condemns arrests of independent film producers Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, & Chris Wamae last night. We call on the @DCI_Kenya to concentrate its vast
The arrest follows the release of the BBC Blood Parliament documentary, which exposed the involvement of Kenya’s security forces in the killing of several protesters during the June 2024 demonstrations.
PRWG-Kenya has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to focus its resources on investigating the police and military personnel identified in the documentary, rather than criminalizing filmmakers and creatives.
PRWG-Kenya also raised concerns about the broader implications of this crackdown on press freedom and human rights.
The group argued that the government’s continued suppression of dissent only deepens public distrust and disillusionment, especially amidst the country’s ongoing economic struggles and a faltering health sector.
It also called for solidarity with independent filmmakers, journalists, and all those upholding democratic principles, justice, and accountability.
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