Nick Wambugu, the acclaimed 34-year-old videographer and a key filmmaker behind the 2025 BBC documentary Blood Parliament, has passed away after a courageous battle with Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
His death was confirmed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by his lawyer, Ian Mutiso.
Wambugu’s passing marks the end of a prolonged fight against the rare blood disorder, which severely impaired his bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
In the months leading up to his death, Wambugu had made public appeals for financial assistance to fund a life-saving bone marrow transplant in India, estimated to cost Ksh 9 million.
His last Facebook post, shared just days before his death, announced a fundraiser scheduled for January 10, 2026, at a popular venue along Thika Road.
“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 wrote, reflecting on his struggle.
Wambugu gained national attention following the release of Blood Parliament in mid-2025, a documentary that highlighted the plight of protesters during anti-government demonstrations in 2024.
Days after its airing, he and three others were arrested over their alleged involvement in the film, a claim he and the BBC vehemently denied.
Following his release, Wambugu, through his lawyer, filed a complaint alleging that police had installed spyware on his phone while in custody, raising significant concerns about media freedom and journalists’ safety in Kenya.
Tributes have poured in from across the country, with many mourning the loss of a talented filmmaker and advocate for human-centered narratives.
Activist Hanifa Adan expressed her grief, stating, “Very tragic news. I’m so heartbroken. Nick has left us. Go easy, champ. You fought well. History will remember your name.”
His father, Francis Gichuki, shared that Nick experienced difficulty breathing shortly before his death, emphasizing the suddenness of the loss despite his ongoing illness.
Wambugu’s impact extended beyond his filmmaking, as he was recognized as one of Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 influential professionals in Kenya in 2025 and received honors from the Kalasha Film Awards and the Cinemadamare Festival in Italy.
