Nick Wambugu, a Kenyan filmmaker and videographer who worked on the 2025 BBC documentary Blood Parliament, has died after battling a rare blood disorder.
His death was confirmed by his lawyer, Ian Mutiso, who said Wambugu passed away on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness. The filmmaker had been diagnosed with Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a condition that affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Wambugu had openly shared his medical journey on social media, appealing for financial support to undergo a bone marrow transplant. The life-saving procedure was estimated to cost about Ksh9 million, with a fundraiser planned for January 10.
Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death, with activists, journalists, and creatives praising his courage and commitment to storytelling. Activist Hanifa Adan described his passing as a painful loss, noting that his work and bravery would not be forgotten.
Wambugu rose to national prominence after the release of Blood Parliament in mid-2025, a documentary that captured scenes from the 2024 anti-government protests. Days after its release, he and several others were arrested, a move that sparked debate around press freedom and the safety of journalists in Kenya.
