Journalist Behind BBC’s Blood Parliament Documentary Has Died
Nick Wambugu, one of the filmmakers of the popular 2025 BBC documentary Blood Parliament, has died.
Ian Mutiso, Wambugu’s lawyer, confirmed the filmmaker’s death, revealing that he died on the morning of Wednesday, December 7, from a rare condition.
Nick Wambugu was hounded by DCI and the ODPP over the blood parliament documentary. He was to appear in court today for a hearing of the case together with 2 other filmmakers but he unfortunately earlier today succumbed to an illness that he was raising funds to treat. pic.twitter.com/FUbaCTueiN
— 🇰🇪 James WaNjeri (@JamesKWaNjeri) January 7, 2026
Wambugu died as a result of a rare condition known as Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
This disorder causes the bone marrow to produce insufficient healthy blood cells.
During his final days, the director also used social media to raise funds for life-saving surgery.
The surgery included a bone-marrow transplant, which would cost around Ksh9 million.
One of his most recent posts advertised a medical fundraiser at a prominent eatery on Thika Road. The fundraiser was scheduled for January 10.
“For most of my life, I’ve used my camera to tell stories of courage — people who rise again after life tries to break them. Today, I find myself living one of those stories,” Wambugu’s final Facebook post read.
Hanifa Adan, an activist, was among those who mourned the late filmmaker.
Very tragic news. I’m so heartbroken Mahn. Nick has left us 💔💔💔💔 go easy champ. You fought well. History will remember your name 💔💔💔 https://t.co/yJqj0FO3fy pic.twitter.com/NJfBNVh18E
— Hanifa 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 (@Honeyfarsafi) January 7, 2026
“Very tragic news. I’m so heartbroken. Nick has left us. Go easy, champ. You fought well. History will remember your name,” wrote Hanifa.
Prior to his death, the 34-year-old video journalist revealed that his illness began quietly, with continuous fatigue that caused his sister to encourage him to seek medical assistance. This occurred in October 2025.
GM KENYANS!
— Njambi (@A_Njambi) January 7, 2026
MY COUSIN NICK SADLY HAS PASSED AWAY.
MY HEART ACHES 💔💔💔
REST WELL NICK https://t.co/Y1rdomOFBD
He was then identified with the blood condition, but physicians were unable to pinpoint a precise reason, instead noting that it could be inherited and possibly triggered by other causes.
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Wambugu, who has practised videography and filmmaking for years, initially gained nationwide attention after controversy linked to the BBC documentary dubbed Blood Parliament.
The documentary was released in mid-2025, and days after airing, Wambugu and three others were arrested over claims they were involved in the making of the film.
The now viral documentary highlighted in real time the plight of protesters during anti-government protests in 2024.
The filmmaker later filed a complaint after his arrest, alleging that police had installed spyware on his phone while he was in custody – a claim which raised questions over media freedom in the country.
Journalist Behind BBC’s Blood Parliament Documentary Has Died
