Education stakeholders have urged the government to safeguard schools from political interference following a recent controversy involving Butere Girls High School at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.
The call comes after the school failed to present its play Echoes of War, which had reportedly been authored by former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala. The play was scheduled for performance but did not proceed, sparking concerns about political influence in co-curricular activities.
Mohamed Sheikh, Executive Director of Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC Kenya), condemned the incident, warning against politicizing school events. He said such interference undermines the educational purpose of co-curricular activities and can negatively affect learners’ growth.
“AFOSC-Kenya strongly condemns political involvement in school drama festivals, as witnessed in Nakuru. It is unacceptable that schools are being turned into political platforms by selfish interests,” Sheikh said in a statement. “Educational spaces must remain safe, neutral, and centred on the holistic development of learners.”
Sheikh urged the government to take decisive action against those attempting to use schools for political agendas.
However, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos denied that Butere Girls was barred from performing. He clarified that the students chose not to go on stage after learning that Malala, who was not officially cleared to direct the performance, had been barred from the venue.
“The government did not stop Butere Girls from performing,” said CS Ogamba. “They were scheduled to perform at 8 a.m., but after the national anthem, one student announced they would not perform without their director, Mr Malala.”
Ogamba emphasized that according to Kenya National Drama and Film Festival regulations, only teachers are permitted to direct school drama entries. “Mr Malala is not a teacher at Butere Girls, nor is he officially recognized as a director of the play,” he added.
As debate continues over the events in Nakuru, the incident has highlighted the need to keep education spaces free from political manipulation, ensuring that student creativity and learning are prioritized above all else.
