The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has strongly condemned the arrest of four freelance journalists linked to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) following the release of the investigative documentary Blood Parliament, terming the move a grave threat to press freedom.
The journalists—Brian Adagala, Chris Wamae, Mark Karubui, and Nick Wambugu—were reportedly apprehended at their Karen-based studios days after the BBC Africa Eye aired the film. They were however freed on Saturday morning on police bond.
The documentary allegedly exposed sensitive political matters, prompting state-linked reactions, including the abrupt cancellation of a private screening.
“It is deeply troubling that even as we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, we are witnessing an escalation in actions that threaten media freedom and the safety of journalists in Kenya,” said KEG President Zubeidah Kananu in a statement issued on May 3.
While the BBC clarified that the four filmmakers were not directly involved in the production of Blood Parliament, the KEG emphasized that the arrests signaled a broader clampdown on investigative journalism and free expression.
“These incidents reflect a chilling effect on investigative journalism and the right to free expression, which must be firmly protected,” Kananu said.
The Guild further expressed dismay at the contradiction between public reassurances by police and the continued harassment of media personnel.
Just a day earlier, during a Nairobi event marking World Press Freedom Day, police officials had pledged to safeguard journalists.
“The continued harassment, arrests, and threats targeting journalists run contrary to that commitment and undermine public confidence in the state’s willingness to protect press freedom,” she added.
The Guild also raised concerns about broader governmental efforts to stifle dissenting media voices, citing threats to withdraw broadcasting licenses, cancel government advertising, and apply other economic and regulatory pressures.
“Journalism is not a crime,” Kananu asserted.
“Any attempt to intimidate, silence, or punish journalists for doing their work is an affront to democracy and the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees freedom of expression and media independence.”
Calling for the immediate release of the arrested journalists, the KEG urged the government to honor its constitutional obligations and protect press freedoms—particularly amid the early onset of the 2027 election campaigns.
“Freedom of the media and freedom of expression must be guarded at all costs, and journalists protected from rogue security apparatus,” Kananu said.
“Let us recommit ourselves today to defending press freedom and ensuring that no journalist is harassed, threatened, or harmed for simply doing their job.”
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