- The play "Echoes of War" by Butere Girls' was controversially banned from being performed at the National Drama Festival, igniting public anger.
- The former Kakamega Senator and playwright Cleophas Malala was apprehended under ambiguous conditions, allegedly for "portraying the government negatively."
- A court ruling temporarily permitted the event, but security personnel prevented entry and used tear gas against attendees, intensifying the conflict.
- Critics argue that the play was suppressed due to political motives, worried about potential disgrace if it claimed victory and needed to be staged at the State House during the festival gala.
Didacus Malowa, a journalist with DIWIDA.NEWS |.co.ke, comes with more than three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues within Kenya.
Nakuru At the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru, drama and tension ensued when the performance of "Echoes of War" by the Butere Girls High School was abruptly halted, leading to protests and an unexpected arrest involving ex-Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Malala, who penned and helmed the play, had been helping the students with their rehearsals when she was detained on the night of Wednesday, April 9, under ambiguous conditions.
As per Eugene Wamalwa from the Democratic Action Party, the arrest stems from allegations that the school play portrayed the government unfavorably.
“However, based on what they shared with him yesterday, they informed him that his performance was considered criminal as it aimed to portray the government negatively, and thus would not be tolerated. From my perspective as someone without legal expertise, I am unaware of any law under which this could be classified as an offense. Yet, one can deduce that this administration fears its very own populace, trembles at its reflection, and even feels threatened by its younger generation,” explained Wamalwa in a telephone conversation with NTV Kenya.
Following his overnight detention at the Central Police Station in Nakuru, Malala was moved to Eldama Ravine. Wamalwa disclosed that no official charges had been filed against him.
Cleo Malala was detained last evening. We are currently heading towards Eldama Ravine along with Wakili Ken Echesa to facilitate Cleo Malala’s release. It should be noted that he has not been charged as of yet,” disclosed Wamalwa.
What caused the frustration of Butere Girls' performance?
The performance, which had already encountered numerous obstacles, was temporarily permitted due to a court ruling.
Attorney Ken Echesa secured an order mandating that the girls be allowed to perform their play and receive input from their teachers and directors for direction and practice.
Nevertheless, confusion arose when security organizations allegedly hindered attempts to reach the students.
The tension rose further as law enforcement released tear gas into the gathering outside the event space, where people were rallying for the benefit of Butere Girls.
Anti-government slogans such as "Ruto must go" quickly echoed through parts of the audience as they showed support for the performance.
Although authorities haven't offered an official justification for this decision, Wamalwa thinks the production's harsh criticism is likely the primary concern.
He stated that the screenplay, which was purportedly a symbolic critique of kidnappings and governmental shortcomings, represented a political risk as the winning production from the drama festival is slated to be showcased at State House during the event.
The primary rationale provided is that this performance stands a high chance of winning due to its exceptional quality among our productions. Failing to secure victory could prove embarrassing as the victor will represent us at the gala hosted at State House. The piece strongly criticizes ongoing abductions and various negative aspects within the current administration,” he further explained.
