The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Amnesty International, and the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) have strongly condemned the violent crackdown on Butere Girls High School students and journalists at the National Drama and Film Festival held in Nakuru.
The condemnation follows reports that the girls, who were scheduled to perform a Gen Z-themed play titled “Echoes of War”, were mistreated and denied access to performance equipment. Their play, which critiques government policies, had initially been banned but was reinstated after a court order on April 3 by Justice Wilfrida Okwany.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna criticized the authorities, stating that the mistreatment was a violation of the students’ right to freedom of expression. “We reiterate that the freedom of expression guaranteed by our constitution allows people of all ages to express themselves freely, even if we do not particularly like what they have to say,” said Sifuna, questioning why the government feared children’s artistic expression.
Amnesty International also decried the police’s use of force, calling it a “shameful abuse of authority” and “a direct assault on constitutional freedoms.” The human rights organization demanded the unconditional release of the play’s director, Cleophas Malala, who is being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station.
“This brazen attack undermines children’s right to participate in society through art,” said Irungu Houghton, Amnesty’s Kenya Section Director. He urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and hold responsible officers accountable.
During the incident, police lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse a protesting crowd, causing panic and injuries among the students. Many were forced to retreat to their school bus, with some falling in the chaos.
AMWIK further condemned the targeting of journalists at the event, terming it a violation of press freedom and public safety. “We demand immediate investigations and accountability. Journalists and children must be protected—not targeted,” the association stated.
The organizations have united in calling for an end to censorship, intimidation, and violence in cultural spaces, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic freedoms and protect Kenya’s youth.
