Filmmaker Nick Wambugu has died.

Wambugu’s death was first confirmed in open court by his lawyer, Ian Mutiso, during proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Addressing the court, Mutiso broke the news with visible emotion.

“Your honour, I wish to inform the court that Mr Nicholas Gichuhi passed on this morning and wish to have this court note that,” he said.

He added that it had been a difficult morning, revealing that he had spoken to Wambugu just days earlier.

“I spoke to this man on Monday. He wanted us to push this forward, but also it was his interest that we get to the bottom of this matter,” Mutiso told the court.

Final court appearance

Wambugu’s death came on the same day a mention of the case involving him and three other filmmakers was scheduled.

The case stemmed from events surrounding the BBC documentary Blood Parliament, which examined the June 25, 2024, Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests and alleged excesses by security agencies.

Both Wambugu and the broadcaster had denied links to the documentary.

Following the court disclosure, Wambugu’s father, Francis Gichuki, also confirmed the passing, saying the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

He disclosed that his son, who had been hospitalised, developed breathing complications on Tuesday night.

“It has hit us very hard, but we have accepted and allowed God’s will to take place,” he said.

Illness and legacy

Wambugu, 34, had been battling hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare bone marrow disorder he was diagnosed with in October 2025.

He had previously revealed that managing the condition required significant weekly medical expenses, even as he continued working through illness.

The filmmaker was widely celebrated for The People Shall, a documentary that captured the Gen Z protests through seven deeply personal narratives.

The film earned him critical acclaim and marked 2025 as an extraordinary year in his career, one that also saw him named among Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 men.

An alumnus of the Cinemadamare Film Institute in Italy, Wambugu’s career spanned directing, producing, and cinematography.

He worked on award-winning projects including Watu Wote and Softie, and collaborated with international broadcasters, NGOs, and creative institutions.

As tributes pour in from the creative and human rights communities, many are reflecting on the painful irony that Wambugu died while still seeking justice.

Those who knew him say his courage, voice, and commitment to telling difficult stories will continue to shape Kenya’s documentary space long after his passing.

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