BLOOD PARLIAMENT FILMAKER DIES

Kenyan filmmaker Nick Wambugu, who was associated with the production team behind the BBC documentary Blood Parliament, has died at 34 , following a prolonged illness.

In a statement released on Wednesday, January 7, Wambugu’s family confirmed that he passed away after battling Hypo-cellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare and life-threatening bone marrow disorder.

The illness severely impairs the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, leaving patients vulnerable to infections, fatigue, and excessive bleeding.

Earlier before his death, Wambugu’s family revealed that he urgently required KSh9 million to facilitate a bone marrow transplant in India—his only viable chance at recovery.

"Nick, a beloved member of our film family, is currently admitted in hospital and fighting a serious health challenge," the family made a public appeal for help, outlining both the medical urgency and the financial burden involved.

Wambugu urgently needed platelet donations (Blood Group A+), as well as "financial support to sustain his treatment and travel to India for a life-saving bone marrow transplant."

Despite the rallying support and goodwill from the public, Wambugu succumbed to the illness, triggering an outpouring of grief across social media from colleagues, friends, and human rights advocates who had worked closely with him.

Human rights activist Hanifa Adan mourned his passing, paying tribute to his resilience and the mark he left through his work.

"Very tragic news. I’m so heartbroken Mahn. Nick has left us. Go easy champ. You fought well. History will remember your name," she said.

Lawyer and longtime friend Ian Mutiso reflected on both their professional relationship and personal bond, describing Wambugu as a man who lived with purpose.
"My sincere condolences. It’s been such an honor knowing Nick Wambugu, representing him in BBC Blood Parliament matter and being a friend. We shall continue to honor him. May he rest in peace. I can surely say, he must have fulfilled his purpose here on earth," he said.

Wambugu rose to national prominence following a 37-minute investigative documentary , Blood Parliament, released in April 2025 by BBC Africa Eye that examined the events of June 25, 2024, in Kenya — when large Gen-Z-led protests erupted against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and turned deadly outside the Kenyan Parliament in Nairobi.

In 2025, he was arrested alongside other filmmakers in connection with the documentary, although both he and the BBC denied that he had been involved in its production.

Following his release, Wambugu filed court documents alleging that police had installed spyware on his phone while it was in custody—claims that raised alarm among press freedom advocates and media rights organisations.

Beyond the documentary, colleagues describe Wambugu as a committed filmmaker who used visual storytelling to spotlight social justice issues and human resilience.

Nick Wambugu’s death marks a profound loss to Kenya’s creative and journalistic community, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, truth-telling, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.