Nick Wambugu, one of the filmmakers behind the viral 2025 BBC documentary Blood Parliament, has passed away.
Wambugu's death was confirmed by his lawyer, Ian Mutiso, who revealed the filmmaker lost his battle with a rare disease on the morning of Wednesday, December 7.
In the months leading up to Wambugu's death, it was revealed that the filmmaker was suffering from a rare disease known as Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). This condition causes the bone marrow to fail in producing enough healthy blood cells.
The filmmaker also used his social media during his last days to appeal for financial aid to perform life-saving surgery following his condition. The surgery involved a bone-marrow transplant, which would cost approximately Ksh9 million.
One of his last posts seen by Kenyans.co.ke saw him announce a medical fundraiser at a popular joint along Thika Road. The fundraiser was slated 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.
Among the individuals who mourned the late filmmaker was activist Hanifa Adan, who wrote, "Very tragic news. I’m so heartbroken. Nick has left us. Go easy, champ. You fought well. History will remember your name."
Before his passing, the 34-year-old video journalist revealed that his illness developed quietly, beginning with persistent fatigue that prompted his sister to urge him to seek medical attention. This was in October 2025.
He was then diagnosed with the blood disorder, with doctors failing to point to a specific cause, instead suggesting it could be genetic, possibly triggered by other factors.
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, which 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.
