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Kalasha 2026: Nick Wambugu’s Gen Z protests documentary wins top award
03rd May, 2026 12:17 AM
The documentary The People Shall has been named Best Documentary at the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards 2026, marking a major posthumous highlight for co-director and producer Nick Wambugu.
The awards ceremony, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), also turned emotional as cast members and attendees observed a moment of silence in honour of Wambugu, who passed away on January 7, 2026.
Wambugu, 34, had been living with hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder diagnosed in October last year. He had also been dealing with the aftermath of a high-profile arrest in May last year linked to the BBC documentary Blood Parliament.
The People Shall is a 2025 Kenyan documentary co-directed by Nick Wambugu and Mark Maina that chronicles the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising against the punitive Finance Bill.
The 60-minute film documents the transformation of digital activism into street protests, highlighting how young people mobilised online before taking to the streets to demand accountability while spotlighting issues of corruption, police brutality, and government impunity.
During his acceptance speech, co-director Mark Maina led a moment of silence in honour of Wambugu, describing him as an integral part of the project and dedicating the win to his memory.
“Once again, I would like to take at least 15 seconds for a moment of silence for Nick Wambugu, who passed on. This was his final film and he was my co-director and producer for this documentary. So please, 15 seconds. Thank you so much,” Maina said.
He thanked the Kenya Film Commission for recognising the documentary, noting that it captured a critical period in Kenya’s recent history that deserved to be documented for future generations.
Maina also acknowledged the film’s executive producer, James, the production crew, and collaborators, appreciating their efforts in bringing the story to life.
He further dedicated the award to journalists, lawyers, doctors, and Kenyans who participated in or documented the events, saying their contributions formed the backbone of the story.
“I would like to dedicate this award to the journalists, all the lawyers and all the doctors who came and gave their expertise, and every Kenyan who exercised their right in the streets. This award belongs to you,” he said.
He added that the team would continue honouring those who died during the protests while calling for continued accountability.
“Thank you so much. This award belongs to you, and we are going to honour and remember all the Gen Z martyrs, and we are also continuing to ask for accountability for all those who died,” Mark added.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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