By John Kariuki
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango has come out strongly to denounce the arrest of four filmmakers associated with the politically charged production Blood Parliament, terming the government's action a grievous affront to constitutional freedoms and a perilous descent into authoritarianism.
In an unequivocal statement, Murango castigated the authorities for what he described as a brazen attempt to muzzle independent voices and curtail the sacred tenets of free expression enshrined in the nation’s democratic charter. He warned that such repressive maneuvers portend a dangerous return to the draconian era of state-sanctioned censorship.
"I strongly condemn the arrest of the four Blood Parliament filmmakers by the Government of Kenya. Silencing the media is an attack on our democracy and a blatant violation of press freedom," declared the senator. "Are we retrogressing to the dark days of the Nyayo era? Journalism is not a crime!"
Murango’s remarks resonate amid a growing outcry from civil society, media practitioners, and human rights defenders who perceive the arrests as emblematic of a broader campaign to stifle dissent and intimidate creatives who dare to interrogate the status quo. The film in question is believed to explore sensitive political themes, which may have incited the ire of state actors uncomfortable with its narrative.
The senator's condemnation not only underscores the gravity of the incident but also amplifies concerns about the erosion of democratic space in Kenya. His vocal defense of press liberties serves as a rallying call for vigilance against creeping authoritarianism and a reminder that the freedom of expression must remain inviolable.
As the fate of the detained filmmakers hangs in the balance, the episode has reignited a national conversation about the role of the arts in political discourse and the imperative of safeguarding civil liberties, even and especially when they challenge the powers that be.
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