Vipi Radio
John-Allan Namu – a prominent figure in Kenyan investigative journalism, shares insights on the emotional hurdles and process behind crafting the true crime documentary series “The Last Door”.
As the series’ creator, executive producer, and narrator, Namu delves into the concealed and unaddressed aspects of notorious crimes committed in Kenya.
Each episode, while some more somber than others, holds a significant narrative.
“The Last Door” Documentary Series – has 4 episodes.
Namu expresses,
Every story in the series is important to me,
because (I hope) it will get the audience asking questions
about deaths that they have felt are/were unresolved,
and give the public answers to the questions they
have about the crimes that we feature.”
Central to the series’ intent is providing closure to those affected by the victims’ untimely demise.
Namu harbored this concept for years before translating it into a true-crime series.
The essence of the story lies in the research, especially when it involves unearthing the truth behind crimes that shook the nation.
The research really depends on the story we are following.
Some are more complex and require a few weeks of research,
seeking permission to film and actually filming while
others are more straightforward.
There are some stories that were filmed in bits over time.”
“The Last Door” commences with “The Death of an Heiress,” where Namu journeys to Lamu to meet Omar Lali, a central figure in the passing of Keroche heiress Tecra Muigai.
This episode incorporates poignant accounts from Tecra’s sister Anerlisa Muigai and her mother Tabitha Karanja, Nakuru Senator and Keroche Breweries CEO.
While every episode holds a special significance for Namu, the story that resonates most profoundly with him is that of Naneu Muthoni’s murder.
This tragic incident occurred as they commenced production for the series.
He reflects,
Naneu Muthoni was killed when we’d already begun filming the show, and before long we were filming her story with her family.
Their openness in the wake of such tragedy was very humbling.”
This venture into “The Last Door” marks Namu’s ongoing commitment to documentaries that illuminate human interest narratives and expose societal flaws.
It is never easy, he says,
It is never easy watching people break down as they speak about their loved ones.
That’s always hard,”
In 2020, Namu and his team released the investigative documentary series “Maisha Mkanda,” another offering available on Showmax, which received acclaim, notably winning Best TV Documentary at the Kalasha Awards 2020 for its episode “Road to Trauma.”
