KLM Statement on the Abduction of Filmmakers Behind Blood Parliament

03 May KLM Statement on the Abduction of Filmmakers Behind Blood Parliament

Nairobi, 3rd May 2025 – We, at Kongamano La Mapinduzi (KLM), unequivocally condemn the abduction of Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, and Nicholas Gichuki—three courageous Kenyans, among four filmmakers who are said to be associated with the BBC documentary Blood Parliament. Their forced disappearance from their offices in Karen is not just a violation of human rights—it is a declaration of war by Ruto’s regime on truth, art, and the soul of a grieving nation.

Let it be known: this is not a government seeking order. It is a cowardly, despotic regime so terrified of its own people that it abducts its own children to silence a film. A film that dares to speak the names of our martyrs. A film that dares to show the world what happened outside our Parliament gates in 2024—peaceful, unarmed Gen Z protesters, children with water bottles in their hands, gunned down by security forces under state orders. Their only weapons were chants for freedom, and yet they were met with bullets. The camera, just as the pen, once again, has become the weapon of the brave.

Throughout history, powerful films have set fire to injustice. The Battle of Algiers shook colonial empires. Winter on Fire exposed state violence and inspired the world. And now, Blood Parliament stands in that lineage of revolutionary truth-telling—this time in the heart of Nairobi.

Ruto’s regime has crossed a blood-red line. You are abducting artists for documenting state killings? You are detaining truth to protect lies? Possibly torturing filmmakers for exposing the murder of the sovereign children of Kenya?

We will not stand for it. Kenya must not stand for it.

We issue the following calls to action:

1. To every Kenyan citizen of conscience: Pour into the streets. This is no longer just about economic pain—it is about a state turning on its own. Let us fill the streets with our bodies and our rage, until our siblings are returned and our martyrs honored.
2. To every media house: Defy the governemnt ban. Air Blood Parliament again and again, day and night, until Brian, Mark, Nicholas and their colleague are freed. Let this film echo from every screen, every radio, every rooftop. This is no time for neutrality—silence is complicity.
3. To human rights and civil society organizations: Mobilize now to protect all contributors to Blood Parliament—editors, fixers, field producers, and allied organizations like Sema Ukweli who dared to hold a mirror to the state. Provide legal, psychological, and physical safety. The regime is targeting the truth-tellers. Shield them.

To the Ruto and Farouk regime, hear us clearly: we are not afraid. You may abduct the filmmakers, but you cannot erase the film. You may torture the truth-tellers, but you cannot kill the truth.

Signed,

Kongamano La Mapinduzi.