Allans Ademba, a young journalist from Kibra and a fourth-year student at Mount Kenya University, has spoken out about why he has chosen not to seek asylum, even though many people have advised him to. Ademba recently gained national and international attention after he appeared in a BBC documentary released on April 28, 2025.
The documentary, titled Blood Parliament, focused on the Gen Z protests that happened on June 25, 2024, against the controversial Finance Bill. The protests turned violent and shocked the nation after several young protesters were injured and others killed.
Ademba was present at the protest, not just as a participant, but also as a journalist capturing the events through his camera. His videos and photos, some of which were used in the BBC film, showed the chaotic and dangerous scenes that unfolded in Nairobi’s city centre.
One of the most painful moments for him was witnessing the killing of his close friend Eric Shieni, who was shot dead right next to him. The trauma of that day, he says, is something he still struggles to deal with. He remembers the blood, the screams, and the confusion like it happened yesterday.
While trying to help with Eric’s body, Ademba came close to being arrested. Police officers approached him, but other journalists shouted and stepped in, preventing him from being taken away.
His courage and the footage he managed to capture have earned him praise from many Kenyans online. People have been calling him brave and have even suggested that he should leave the country to protect himself. Some have recommended that he seek asylum in countries like the UK or Nigeria, fearing for his safety after appearing in such a high-profile documentary.
Despite the concern, Ademba says he has no plans to leave Kenya for now. He believes he has done nothing wrong and simply told the truth about what happened during the protests. He also says he does not have the money or support to move abroad.
“I just told the truth about what happened. I’m not rich, so I can’t move to places like the UK or Nigeria for asylum,” he said. He added that he would only consider relocation if someone offered to help because he could still complete his studies online.
“I only have a few units left before I graduate, and I can study online if needed,” he said.Ademba’s parents were deeply shocked after seeing what he went through.
The weight of everything from losing a close friend to facing national attention has left him overwhelmed. Still, he remains committed to his path, hopeful that telling the truth will make a difference. His story is a reminder of the risks young journalists take and the power of documenting the truth, even when it comes at a personal cost.
