Butere Girls High School’s play, Echoes of War, has recently found itself at the center of a political and cultural storm after being banned from staging at the National Drama and Film Festival. The play, which delves into the frustrations of Generation Z, critiques the collapse of social services, entrenched patronage politics, and broken promises. The school’s bold portrayal of these issues, particularly its critique of the government, led to the initial ban on the performance.
Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi came to the defense of the students, asserting that they should not be punished for expressing themselves through art. He emphasized that the young girls were not “enemies of the state” but rather “daughters of this nation,” deserving of celebration for their courageous attempt to speak the truth. Moi likened the situation to the school’s 2013 play Shackles of Doom, which also faced a similar ban, noting the irony that peaceful expression was criminalized while state-backed violence was often ignored or covertly encouraged.
The controversy took a legal turn when Butere Girls sought court intervention. Justice Wilfrida Okwany suspended the ban on April 3, allowing the play to be performed at the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru. This decision marked a significant victory for the school, as it reaffirmed the importance of freedom of expression and artistic license in a democratic society.
Echoes of War explores themes of governance, technology, and social justice, with a focus on the struggles young people face in securing civil liberties. Set in a post-civil war nation, the play envisions youth at the forefront of rebuilding efforts and critiques the role of digital spaces in shaping governance.
The situation was further complicated by claims from Cleophas Malala, the writer of the play, who alleged that police attempted to arrest him during a visit to Butere Girls’ rehearsals. This incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding artistic freedom in Kenya and the role of youth in shaping societal change.
In the end, Echoes of War stands as a testament to the power of youth voices and the vital role of art in holding power to account.
