By Lisbeth Micheni,Kenya
The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-Kenya), is urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to drop charges against four filmmakers arrested for allegedly disseminating false information.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group emphasized that Nicholas Gichuki, Brian Adagala, Mark Karubiu, and Chris Wamae should not face repercussions for exercising their right to free expression.
The working group has also requested the return of equipment confiscated from the filmmakers’ studios in Karen, which were raided by police.
Although the filmmakers were granted release on a bond, the PRWG-Kenya insists that the DCI should dismiss the “false publication” charges against them and return their belongings.
They urged the Kenyan government to recognize that the current economic struggles and increased taxation, alongside a failing health sector, are worsened by the targeting of critics and suppression of essential freedoms, leading to growing public distrust and disenchantment.
Furthermore, the group called for police attention to be directed toward prosecuting officers implicated in a BBC documentary titled “Blood Parliament,” who are allegedly responsible for the deaths of several protesters, including Ericcson Mutisya and David Chege.
They expressed outrage that these arrests occurred just before World Press Freedom Day, labeling it a violation of the constitutional rights of expression (Article 33) and the freedom of the media (Article 34).
They also cited international agreements that protect these rights.
PRWG-Kenya urged media organizations and civil society to support the filmmakers and highlighted the need for institutions to advocate for democracy and justice.
The filmmakers were detained at Pangani Police Station until their release shortly after their arrest from their office in Karen.
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