Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has broken his silence following his dramatic arrest on Wednesday night outside Kirobon Girls High School in Rongai, Nakuru County.
Speaking during a phone interview with Spice FM, Malala revealed that he is being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station and has not been informed of the reason for his arrest. “They have told me nothing. I have been behind bars since yesterday at around 11 pm. Nobody is talking to me. I am just in the police cells waiting for the next course of action,” he said.
Malala’s arrest followed a standoff with police at the school, where he had gone to oversee rehearsals for Echoes of War, a play by Butere Girls’ High School. The play, which Malala wrote and directed, had earlier been banned from the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival due to its Gen Z-themed critique of the government. However, a court ruling on April 3 lifted the ban, allowing the play to be performed.
According to Malala, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered, creating chaos and tension. “Last night was quite an ugly night for Kenya. We are very disappointed in the manner in which the government is handling this matter,” he lamented.
Echoes of War tackles issues such as technology, governance, and social justice—topics that resonate deeply with Kenya’s youth. Malala expressed sympathy for the students of Butere Girls, whom he said have been unfairly victimised. “I empathise with the young talents of Butere Girls who have given themselves to nurture talents and expose evil deeds of this country through arts,” he said.
He called on officials overseeing the national festival to act with restraint and allow the arts to flourish without political interference. “This is just a play. It has nothing to do with incitement or name-calling,” Malala emphasized, urging authorities to allow the creative space for young voices to express themselves.
