Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was released on Thursday from the Eldama Ravine Police Station following his Wednesday arrest at Kirobon School in Nakuru County. No formal charges were filed against him. Malala had travelled to the school to attend rehearsals with the Butere Girls High School drama club, where their play Echoes of War was scheduled for performance.
According to Malala, he arrived at the venue at 5:30 p.m. only to find heavy security barring his vehicle from entry. Speaking to the media after his release, he hailed the Butere Girls students as “heroines of this nation” for boldly boycotting the performance of the play in protest.
The students reportedly took to the stage, sang the national anthem, and then walked off—demanding the return of their director, Malala. Reports also suggest that the learners were denied crucial performance resources such as microphones, props, and decor, which were provided to other schools. Malala called this a deliberate attempt to sabotage the girls’ participation, describing the act as a violation of their artistic and educational rights.
“It was a heroic moment. They refused to perform without the director, without the right setup. That’s unfair, and officials must be held accountable,” Malala told Spice FM while still in police custody.
Echoes of War is a thought-provoking production that explores themes of technology, governance, and civil liberties, especially through the lens of the Gen Z generation. The play portrays a nation recovering from a brutal civil war, with youth leading reconstruction efforts while challenging the status quo through digital platforms.
The play has been praised for encouraging critical thought among young people and for giving voice to social justice issues. Malala urged the students to remain hopeful and courageous in the face of adversity, calling their walkout a powerful expression of resistance and solidarity.
The incident has sparked national debate about censorship, youth expression, and the role of arts in civic engagement. As investigations into the arrest and treatment of the students continue, many are calling for greater protection of artistic freedom in schools.
