NAIROBI, Kenya – Three Kenyan filmmakers linked to the production of the BBC Africa Eye documentary Blood Parliament are facing charges of “false publication”, raising alarm among press freedom advocates.
Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, and Mark Karubiu were arrested on Friday night from their studio in Nairobi’s Karen suburb.
According to award-winning investigative journalist John-Allan Namu, the three were held at Pangani Police Station, where they were forced to record statements without legal representation.
Their arrest coincides with World Press Freedom Day, observed globally on 3 May, prompting fresh concerns over the Kenyan government’s commitment to upholding press freedom and the rule of law.
Namu, who has been in touch with lawyers representing the trio, revealed that their equipment was also confiscated.
The filmmakers are being charged under Kenya’s computer misuse and cybercrimes laws, with authorities citing their involvement in the Blood Parliament documentary.
The film, produced by BBC Africa Eye, investigates the fatal police shootings of three unarmed protesters outside Parliament during anti-tax demonstrations in June 2024.
Using open-source intelligence and citizen footage, the documentary identifies individual officers allegedly involved in the killings.
The release of the film has sparked political debate, with some lawmakers accusing the BBC of maligning the country’s image, while others, such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have defended its findings and called for accountability.
Critics argue that the arrests are a targeted attempt to intimidate journalists and filmmakers who expose state-linked abuses.
Human rights organisations have condemned the arrests and demanded the immediate release of the filmmakers.
No formal statement has been issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations or the police. As of Saturday morning, the four remained in custody.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has acknowledged receiving over 600 complaints relating to the 2024 protests, including 60 deaths and more than 200 injuries. However, no prosecutions have been made.
The arrests are the latest in a growing list of incidents raising concern over media freedom in Kenya.
