The reported arrest of four Kenyan filmmakers linked to the BBC documentary Blood Parliament has sparked concern among civil rights groups, who are questioning the legality and motive behind the move.
Police have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The four—Nicholas Gichuki, Chris Wamae, Brian Adagala, and Mark Karubiu—were allegedly taken from their studio in Karen, Nairobi, on Friday night and later held at Muthaiga and Pangani police stations. Authorities have not disclosed the reason for their detention.
Activist Boniface Mwangi claimed that during the raid, police also seized filming equipment and hard drives.
“The police arrested the filmmakers at their offices and confiscated their tools of work,” Mwangi said in a post.
A legal team, including lawyer Ian Mutiso, has since located the detainees and is pursuing their release.
Sources indicate the group may have been targeted for questioning over the controversial BBC Africa Eye documentary, though no formal charges have been made.
The documentary alleges that Kenyan security forces used live bullets on anti-tax demonstrators outside Parliament during the June 2024 Gen Z protests. Its release has triggered both local and international outrage over claims of extrajudicial killings.
In response, Director of Public Prosecutions Mulele Ingonga has instructed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the events.
He noted the film raised “serious concerns” regarding use of force and possible breaches of public order and law.
As some of the implicated officers may be military personnel, legal experts are calling for an expanded investigation beyond IPOA’s scope.
The DPP underscored the need for a fair and transparent inquiry, stating, “This matter is of public interest and touches the heart of our democratic values.”
