Kenya’s national high-school drama competition has descended into chaos after a controversial student play triggered a heavy-handed police response, including the use of tear gas on a crowd gathered to watch the performance.
The play, Echoes of War, performed by students from Butere Girls High School, explores the impact of digital spaces on governance and the role of youth in shaping societal change—drawing striking parallels with Kenya’s current political climate.
Originally disqualified from the 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals for unclear reasons, the play was later reinstated following a High Court ruling.
Tensions came to a head in the western town of Nakuru on Thursday morning. Students walked out of the venue in protest, demanding the release of the play’s author, Cleophas Malala—a former senator and scriptwriter—who had been blocked by police from attending final rehearsals the previous evening.
Malala was later released without charge and applauded the students for standing their ground.
“The young girls of Butere Girls’ have exercised an act of heroic restoration. I’m determined to ensure that Echoes of War is displayed before a Kenyan audience,” Malala said after his release.
Before exiting, the students sang the national anthem in a powerful display of defiance. The venue had been sealed off by anti-riot police, equipped with batons and tear gas.
“There’s no audience. Who are we performing for?” one of the girls asked journalists, while others voiced concerns about police harassment.
Following Malala’s arrest, curious onlookers gathered outside the venue hoping to witness the performance. However, authorities had already deployed anti-riot officers overnight, and they used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Education Minister Julius Ogamba weighed in on the controversy, questioning Malala’s involvement in the festival.
“The politician was neither a teacher nor a play director,” Ogamba noted.
The incident has sparked widespread public outrage. Amnesty International issued a strong statement, saying the situation was “pointing to a worrying pattern of state-sponsored repression of free expression, press freedom, and the right to associate.”
Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka also condemned the use of tear gas near students, lauding the Butere Girls as “brave” for refusing to perform under such conditions.
In solidarity, the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) issued a statement demanding that the students be allowed to perform like all other competitors.
Echoes of War focuses on the generational divide between the old guard and the youth who are pushing for change through innovation and technology. The themes echo some of Kenya’s most critical issues—many of which led to last year’s deadly, youth-led protests.
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Written By Elegbe Theodore