‘Blood Parliament’ filmmaker dies the day he was to appear in court
One of the four filmmakers connected with the production of the Blood Parliament documentary, Nicholas Wambugu, died on the day he was to appear in court.
Gichuki died on the morning of January 7, 2026, hours before their case with three others was supposed to proceed before Milimani Principal Magistrate Eric Otieno Wambo.
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The deceased, together with Brian Adagala, Mark Denver Karubiu, and Chris Wamae, sued the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin and the National Police Service (NPS), citing harassment with no reasons.
Through a certificate of urgency lodged at the Milimani Law Courts, the filmmakers sought to have the court grant them bail ahead of appearing for questioning at the DCI offices on May 21, 2025.
“The DCI and its boss, Mohamed Amin, are responsible for breach of Article 49 1(a)(c) of the Constitution, as the four herein were not accorded the right to counsel and information on the reason for arrest and detention,” part of the application read.
Magistrate Wambo granted them an anticipatory bail of Ksh10,000 each pending ongoing investigations on the matter and ordered that they appear at DCI headquarters on May 21, 2025, for further questioning while accompanied by their lawyers.
“Each applicant is released on an anticipatory bail of Ksh10,000 with one contact person; their counsel should also avail them at the DCI headquarters on May 21, 2025, at 10 am,” Magistrate Wambo directed.
Appearing before Magistrate Wambo on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, lawyer Ian Mutiso informed the court that his client, who was unwell, passed on in the morning hours.
“Your honour, I wish to inform the court that Mr Nicholas Wambugu passed on this morning and wish to have this court note that. And we are ready to proceed,” lawyer Mutiso told the court.
Further, he revealed to the court how hard it has been for him and Wambugu’s colleagues after the devastating news was brought to their attention.
Lawyer Mutiso further requested the court to observe a 40-second moment of silence to honour the deceased.
Magistrate Wambo agreed with the request and asked the court attendees to stand and honour the deceased for 40 seconds.
