Nick Wambugu, one of the filmmakers behind the viral 2025 BBC documentary Blood Parliament, has died after a long and public battle with a rare blood disorder. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from activists, journalists, and Kenyans who followed his courageous fight for survival.
Wambugu passed away on the morning of Wednesday, December 7, according to a confirmation issued by his lawyer, Ian Mutiso. The award-winning video journalist had been suffering from Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare condition that affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
He was 34 years old.
Battle With a Rare Blood Disorder
In the months leading up to his death, Wambugu had openly shared his health struggles on social media, shedding light on a disease unfamiliar to many Kenyans.
Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome is a serious bone marrow failure disorder that leads to dangerously low blood cell counts, leaving patients vulnerable to infections, severe fatigue, and internal bleeding. In Wambugu’s case, doctors were unable to pinpoint a specific cause, suggesting it could be genetic or triggered by underlying factors.
The illness, he revealed, began quietly.
In October 2025, Wambugu started experiencing persistent fatigue. Concerned, his sister urged him to seek medical attention—a decision that would later reveal the life-threatening diagnosis.
Appeal for Financial Help and Planned Surgery
As his condition worsened, Wambugu turned to the public for help, using his social media platforms to appeal for financial support to undergo a bone marrow transplant, the only viable life-saving option available to him.
The procedure was estimated to cost Ksh9 million, a figure far beyond his immediate means.
One of his final posts, seen widely by Kenyans.co.ke readers, announced a medical fundraiser scheduled for January 10 at a popular entertainment spot along Thika Road.
In a deeply moving Facebook post, Wambugu reflected on his life and work as a storyteller:
“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.”
Sadly, he would not live to see the fundraiser take place.
Tributes Pour In From Activists and Journalists
Following news of his death, tributes flooded social media, with many describing Wambugu as fearless, principled, and deeply committed to truth.
Activist Hanifa Adan was among the first to publicly mourn him, writing:
“Very tragic news. I’m so heartbroken. Nick has left us. Go easy, champ. You fought well. History will remember your name.”
Journalists, filmmakers, and human rights defenders echoed similar sentiments, praising his courage both behind the camera and in the face of illness.
Rise to National Attention Through Blood Parliament
Nick Wambugu had practised videography and filmmaking for several years, but his name became nationally and internationally recognised following the release of the BBC documentary Blood Parliament in mid-2025.
The hard-hitting documentary captured, in real time, the brutal experiences of protesters during Kenya’s 2024 anti-government demonstrations, exposing alleged state excesses and human rights violations.
The film quickly went viral, sparking public debate and drawing sharp reactions from authorities.
Arrest and Controversy After the Documentary
Days after the documentary aired, Wambugu and three other individuals were arrested, accused of involvement in the production of the film. The arrests triggered public outrage and renewed concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Kenya.
After his release, Wambugu filed a formal complaint alleging that police had installed spyware on his phone while he was in custody—a claim that sent shockwaves through the media and civil society spaces.
The allegations raised serious questions about surveillance, digital privacy, and the treatment of journalists and filmmakers critical of the government.
A Symbol of Press Freedom and Courage
To many, Wambugu’s story came to symbolise the risks faced by journalists and documentary filmmakers who dare to tell uncomfortable truths.
Despite legal pressure, health struggles, and financial hardship, he remained outspoken and unapologetic about his work, insisting that storytelling was a tool for accountability and justice.
Even as his health deteriorated, he continued engaging with the public, documenting his journey and inspiring conversations around rare diseases, medical costs, and access to healthcare in Kenya.
A Legacy That Lives On
Nick Wambugu leaves behind a powerful legacy—not just through Blood Parliament, but through his unwavering commitment to truth, human dignity, and courage.
His death is not only a loss to Kenya’s creative industry but also to the broader struggle for media freedom and social justice.
As tributes continue to pour in, many Kenyans agree on one thing: his work, his fight, and his voice will not be forgotten.