Kenya Film Association Condemns Arrest of Filmmakers Behind BBC Exposé

The Kenya Film and Television Professionals Association (KFPTA) has strongly condemned the arrest of four young Kenyan filmmakers, describing it as a "troubling attack on creative freedom" and calling for their immediate release.

The filmmakers — Nicholas Wambugu, Brian Adagala, Mark Denver Karubiu, and Christopher Wamae — were reportedly arrested Friday night under unclear circumstances during a raid on their studio in Karen. Police also seized equipment and data storage devices during the operation, according to reports.

KFPTA Chairperson Ezekiel Onyango confirmed that Nicholas and Brian are being held at Pangani Police Station, while Mark and Christopher are detained at Muthaiga Police Station. Onyango stated that the association had been granted permission to visit the detainees on Saturday and would provide updates on their condition and the charges they face.

Authorities are allegedly preparing to charge the group with offenses related to publishing false information and cyberbullying. Onyango demanded transparency on the charges and detention conditions, adding, “We stand in full solidarity with our arrested colleagues, their families, and the entire creative community.”

Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi added that the police seized the filmmakers' tools of work, including hard drives and other equipment. He said a legal team led by lawyer Ian Mutiso had located the detainees and was working to secure their release.

Sources familiar with the matter claim the arrests are connected to a recent BBC Africa Eye documentary that accuses Kenyan security forces of using live ammunition on anti-tax protesters during the June 2024 Gen Z demonstrations. While no official charges have been filed, the documentary has triggered public outrage and drawn global attention to alleged extrajudicial killings.

In response to the exposé, Director of Public Prosecutions Mulele Ingonga has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the events surrounding the protests. Ingonga said the documentary raises “serious concerns” about excessive use of force, misconduct, and potential violations of public order. He emphasized the need for a transparent and impartial probe.

However, legal experts argue that the investigation should be expanded beyond IPOA, especially given the possible involvement of military personnel, who fall outside its jurisdiction.

“This matter is of public interest and touches the heart of our democratic values,” Ingonga stated.

The arrests have sparked alarm across Kenya’s creative and civil rights communities, who view the detentions as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and journalistic freedom. KFPTA has pledged continued legal and institutional support for the filmmakers until they are released.