Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly condemned the events surrounding Butere Girls High School during the Kenya National Drama Festival in Nakuru, terming them a grave violation of the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CJ Koome expressed concern over the failure to comply with a High Court order that directed the participation of 50 Butere Girls students in the festival. The students were to perform their play titled Echoes of War, but were reportedly barred from doing so despite a court directive.
“It is particularly disturbing that these events occurred against the backdrop of clear and binding court orders issued by the High Court sitting in Kisii,” said Koome, referencing the case Anifa Mango v Principal, Butere Girls High School & 3 Others, Petition No. E006 of 2025.
She warned that such defiance of court orders undermines the very foundation of Kenya’s constitutional democracy. “Disregard for judicial orders not only weakens the authority of the courts but poses a serious threat to the rule of law, which is the bedrock of our society,” she stated.
The Chief Justice was especially alarmed by reports indicating that force and violence were used against the students, describing the actions as unacceptable and unconstitutional. She pointed out that children, under Kenyan law and international treaties, are entitled to special protection, dignity, and welfare.
Koome urged all state organs, public officials, and festival organizers to ensure strict compliance with court directives moving forward. “Respect for court orders is not optional. It is a constitutional imperative that safeguards our collective commitment to the rule of law,” she emphasized.
Thursday’s incident has sparked national debate, with education stakeholders, parents, and human rights defenders calling for accountability. Koome reiterated that such actions deviate from Kenya’s commitment to justice and equality, and called on all institutions to prioritize the rights of children in both public and private settings.
“This incident should serve as a reminder that the path to justice begins with upholding the rule of law for all, especially our children,” the CJ concluded.
