The Kenyan government has released four filmmakers behind the controversial short film #BloodParliament, less than 24 hours after their abrupt arrest sparked national outrage and international condemnation.
The arrest, which took place late Friday night, triggered a swift and widespread backlash from human rights groups, artists, opposition leaders, and members of the public, who decried it as an attack on free expression and a troubling sign of state censorship under President William Ruto’s administration.
The four—whose names are yet to be officially confirmed—were reportedly taken in for questioning over allegations that #BloodParliament “incited public unrest” and “depicted government institutions in a negative light.” The short film, which went viral online shortly after its release, portrays a dystopian version of Kenya’s political elite, with themes of greed, betrayal, and state-sponsored violence.
Following mounting pressure and the trending of the hashtag #FreeBloodParliament across social media, government officials confirmed the filmmakers’ release early Saturday morning. In a brief statement, the Ministry of Interior claimed the arrests were based on “security concerns” but acknowledged the importance of “protecting artistic freedom.”
“We recognize the critical role artists and filmmakers play in our democracy,” the statement read. “While we must guard against content that may cause unrest, we also affirm the right to creative expression as enshrined in our Constitution.”
Critics, however, dismissed the statement as damage control. Activist Boniface Mwangi, one of the most vocal voices demanding the filmmakers’ release, called the arrests “a blatant show of authoritarian paranoia.”
“These young creators were detained simply for holding up a mirror to power. That’s what art is supposed to do,” Mwangi said.
The Kenya Film Commission and the Kenya Union of Journalists have both called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of the arrest and detention, warning that continued intimidation of artists will set a dangerous precedent.
As of Saturday afternoon, the #BloodParliament short film continues to gain traction online, with many praising it as a bold act of resistance in a climate of growing political tension.
