Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured the public that the ongoing case involving four filmmakers behind the controversial documentary Blood Parliament will be handled impartially and in full accordance with the law. Speaking after a security briefing in Tharaka Nithi County, Murkomen emphasized his confidence in the country’s legal institutions to fairly dispense justice.
The four filmmakers are currently facing charges related to false publication and cyberbullying. They have already been granted anticipatory bail as investigations continue. If found guilty, they could face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to Ksh 20 million.
Murkomen clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the courts. “No brief has been extended to me,” said Murkomen. “The DCI, courts and the DPP will dispense with this matter as stipulated in law. That’s why they are created for checks and balances.”
He underscored that his role does not include interference in independent investigative or prosecutorial processes. “Whether they are culpable or not, our work is not to interfere with the independence of the DCI but to facilitate operational matters,” the CS explained.
Responding to concerns raised by families of the accused who pleaded for leniency, Murkomen reiterated that any accountability on his part would be addressed through formal procedures. “In the absence of a written submission from the DCI on the matter, I don’t have any information. If and when I am required to account to Parliament as the oversight body, I will present a written submission accordingly,” he stated.
Murkomen was accompanied by senior security officials including Deputy Inspectors General Eliud Lagat (KPS) and Gilbert Masengeli (APS), Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, and Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga.
The case has sparked national debate, with civil society groups calling for press freedom to be respected even as legal proceedings take place.
