THARAKA NITHI, Kenya – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured the public that the case involving four filmmakers allegedly linked to the BBC’s Blood Parliament story will be handled impartially.
The CS expressed full confidence in the independence of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the judiciary to ensure that the legal process is fair and transparent.
“There is no brief extended to me. The DCI, courts, and the DPP will manage this matter as required by law. That’s why these bodies exist, to provide checks and balances,” Murkomen stated, clarifying that he has no direct involvement in the case.
Murkomen emphasized that the matter is within the DCI’s jurisdiction and reiterated that his role is not to interfere with their investigation.
“We are here to facilitate operational matters, not to influence the DCI’s independence,” he explained, adding that, without a written submission from the DCI, he had no further information on the case.
He also assured that if required, he would provide a written submission to Parliament when questioned on the issue.
The four Kenyan filmmakers, Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, and Mark Karubiu, were arrested on May 2 at their studio in Nairobi’s upmarket Karen suburb under unclear circumstances.
The arrest came days after the release of Blood Parliament—a hard-hitting BBC Africa Eye investigation that exposes police and military involvement in the fatal shooting of unarmed protesters during the anti-tax demonstrations on 25 June 2024
They were later released from police custody on May 3 following mounting public pressure and condemnation from rights groups.
The filmmakers, who were granted anticipatory bail in the case concerning false publication and cyberbullying, face the possibility of a ten-year prison sentence or a fine of Sh20 million.
Murkomen’s remarks came after a security briefing at the Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner’s office, where he addressed concerns raised by the families of the suspects who have pleaded for leniency.
He was accompanied by senior security officials, including Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat (KPS) and Gilbert Masengeli (APS), as well as regional administrators and police commanders.
