Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has hailed the students of Butere Girls High School for their bold stand during the ongoing Kenya National Drama Festival. The girls staged a dramatic protest by singing the national anthem and walking off stage in protest of what they called systemic sabotage of their play Echoes of War a production written and directed by Malala.
Speaking to Spice FM from Eldama Ravine Police Station following his arrest, Malala described the students’ boycott as a “heroic moment,” commending them for their courage to stand up for artistic freedom. He criticized festival officials for denying the school access to essential performance tools such as microphones, props, costumes, and their director, which he termed a deliberate attempt to muzzle free expression.
“This is a great moment whereby they become big players in disseminating relevant information to the public. They have been inscribed in history as people who fought for the liberation of this country,” said Malala.
Echoes of War explores critical themes such as governance, digital freedoms, and civil liberties, with a storyline that resonates deeply with Kenya’s Gen Z generation. Set in a post-conflict society, the play portrays young citizens leading efforts to rebuild the nation while questioning the role of technology and power structures.
The play had initially been banned over claims that it contained political undertones critical of government. However, the High Court, through Justice Wilfrida Okwany, lifted the ban on April 3, declaring that the school had the right to participate in the national festival.
Despite the legal green light, the students were allegedly denied fair treatment at the event. Malala called on festival officials to “sober up” and recognize the role of drama in shaping public discourse.
He encouraged the students to remain hopeful and courageous, stating that their stance had not only highlighted the plight of young artists but had also etched them into the annals of Kenya’s history as champions of free expression.
