Students from Butere Girls have refused to perform their play at the drama festivals in Nakuru, insisting on the attendance of former Kakamega Senator Clephas Malala.
It was anticipated that the girls would perform their play titled, "Echoes of War."
In a clip viewed by the Star, the girls can be seen sprinting after being questioned about their destination, sporting costumes from their latest play.
They chanted, 'We want our director (Malala).'
A female voice can be heard questioning what is going on inside the hall, as she suggests they stay together for their protection.
A female voice is overheard stating that they experienced harassment from law enforcement.
She states that we possess rights and desire our director.
The girls were spotted running once more, as an evidently frustrated woman expressed her bewilderment at the situation.
It is claimed that the girls did not have access to a public address system which has been utilized at National Drama Festivals as well as by audiences.
It is claimed that when offered an opportunity to put on the play, they were deprived of various essential facilities provided to other schools, such as microphones, props, and additional resources intended to improve their production quality.
On Wednesday, Malala was prevented from entering the event location at Kirobo Girls High School in Nakuru.
Around 5 pm, he alleged that the police had surrounded his car and were warning they would detain him.
On Thursday, Advocate Ndegwa Njiru disclosed that the ex-senator is detained at the Eldama Ravine Police Station.
" Echoes of War" delves into modern-day topics such as technology, politics, and social equity, which are especially pertinent to Generation Z. It highlights the challenges faced by youth in their fight for individual freedoms.
The focus is on a country emerging from a civil conflict, where younger inhabitants are taking charge of reconstruction initiatives. It also examines the impact of online platforms on leadership and highlights the influence of youthful populations in driving social transformation.
The Buttered Girls were prohibited from performing their Generation Z-focused play because it critiqued the government.
However, the court removed the prohibition on April 3 when Justice Wilfrida Okwany suspended all letters that banned or prevented the school from taking part in the festival.
The 2025 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, scheduled from April 7 to 15, has the theme "Harnessing Technology to Cultivate Talent and Instill Values for Community Flourishing."
