Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified that the government has no issue with Echoes of War, a play by Butere Girls High School, which became a subject of national debate during the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County. Speaking during his Jukwaa La Usalama county tour in Tana River, CS Murkomen stated that his earlier remarks were not against the play itself but were aimed at discouraging political interference in schools.
“The government is not threatened by Echoes of War or any script, for that matter,” Murkomen asserted. “Like many of us, I studied literature and I know the important role it plays. Our teachers are best suited to handle students as per their professional training and code of conduct.”
The CS emphasized that he is a staunch supporter of freedom of speech and media, provided that expression does not promote hate, insults, or glorify criminal activity. He also warned politicians against involving students in political activism.
Murkomen issued an apology following the tear-gassing of journalists who were covering rehearsals of the Butere Girls’ play, assuring that action would be taken against any security personnel who used excessive force.
While in Tana River, the Interior CS assessed the delivery of government services including the ongoing mobile registration of national identity cards. He also highlighted the removal of discriminatory extra vetting of ID applicants from border counties and the scrapping of application fees for first-time applicants.
Addressing the region’s climate-related challenges, Murkomen noted that Tana River suffers from prolonged droughts and seasonal flooding, which have contributed to escalating resource-based conflicts. He said that the government is working on improving disaster preparedness and conflict resolution mechanisms.
On security operations, Murkomen pledged to enhance the welfare of police officers and local administrators. He acknowledged the problem of personnel overstaying in hardship areas and promised that the recruitment of 10,000 new officers and strict implementation of rotation policies would address the issue.
The CS was accompanied by Tana River Governor Dr. Dhadho Godhana, Senator Danson Mungatana, area MPs, and top national and regional security officials.
