Lawyer vows to challenge DCI over summons issued to ‘Blood Parliament’ creators
Lawyer Ian Mutiso has come out strongly in defence of the filmmakers behind the documentary ‘Blood Parliament’, vowing to challenge what he describes as illegal summons and intimidation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Mutiso condemned the recent arrests and threats against the documentary’s creators, asserting that the publication is not only truthful but also forms part of Kenya’s historical record.
“The Blood Parliament is a case history for this country. Whatever was documented on that day is part of our national story. The publication of that particular documentary is not false,” Mutiso stated.
The lawyer disclosed that he and his legal team plan to accompany the filmmakers to the DCI on May 21, where they expect to be informed of the specific charges and evidence being levelled against them.
“We are very eager to find out exactly what will be adduced in court. On 21 May, we will escort them to the DCI to inform us what evidence they have against them. We will be here till the end,” he said.
Mutiso criticised the DCI’s actions as a violation of fundamental freedoms, warning that such moves threaten press freedom and the constitutional protections afforded to all Kenyans. He further questioned whether the authorities are targeting others associated with the film, including prominent figures.
“Because if whoever was part of it is being targeted, does it mean they are also coming for the President of the Law Society of Kenya?” he asked.
He decried what he called a growing culture of unlawful arrests and detentions, particularly by state offices that appear to ignore the Bill of Rights.
“From my perspective, we are living in times when the Bill of Rights is no longer treated as mandatory by the current regime, especially by the offices conducting these illegal arrests and detentions,” Mutiso remarked.
Citing Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press, Mutiso affirmed that the Law Society has a duty to stand up for justice and the rule of law.
He termed it unfortunate and embarrassing that the DCI could detain suspects without disclosing the reasons for their arrest or granting them access to legal counsel.
“It is unfortunate and embarrassing for the DCI to go ahead with arrests without informing the accused of the charges. It is also embarrassing to deny them the right to counsel,” he added.
Mutiso also raised alarm over the seizure of equipment from the filmmakers without due process.
“The DCI is expected to carry out investigations, apply for a warrant, and only then confiscate gadgets—not the other way around. This is a targeted operation against journalists, and we must come out to defend them,” he warned.
The filmmakers, Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, MarkDenver Karubiu, and Chris Wamae were picked up by the police on the night of Friday, May 2, 2025, from their studio in Karen, under unclear circumstances.
They were later released on May 3, following online uproar and growing public condemnation of the arrests, which many viewed as an attack on press freedom and constitutional rights.
