The Wiper Democratic Movement has strongly criticized Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot for his recent remarks targeting party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa. The condemnation follows Kalonzo’s vocal stance against the mistreatment of students from Butere Girls High School during the National Drama Festival in Nakuru.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Wiper Secretary General Shakila Abdalla, the party termed Cheruiyot’s verbal attack as “shameful and cowardly,” accusing him of endorsing the suppression of young people’s rights to free expression. “The petty and degrading attacks on H.E Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka, who condemned the mistreatment of Butere Girls, are a testament to the growing intolerance within the government,” the statement read.
Cheruiyot had earlier criticized opposition leaders for blaming President William Ruto for the incident, arguing that the President could not be held accountable for every event in the country. However, Wiper responded by defending the right of citizens — especially the youth — to challenge authority through peaceful means such as theatre and art.
The controversy stems from a dramatic scene at the festival where students from Butere Girls High School boycotted their Gen Z-themed play Echoes of War, demanding the release of its playwright, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, before proceeding with the performance. Police responded with teargas to disperse the students, triggering public outrage and condemnation from civil society groups.
Wiper insists that Cheruiyot’s reaction reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic freedoms. “His attack on our party leader implies that he defends the oppressive actions meted out against the students and exposes his disdain for free expression,” said Abdalla.
Rights groups and leaders across the country have criticized the heavy-handed police action as an infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Wiper has reaffirmed its commitment to defending these rights, asserting that young Kenyans deserve the space to be heard without fear of intimidation or state interference.
The incident has further fueled debate on the state of democracy and tolerance in Kenya, with growing calls for accountability and respect for constitutional freedoms.
