Kenya: ODM Condemns Mistreatment of Butere Girls Students, Journalists Over Echoes of War Play

Police clash with students over controversial play at Kenya’s drama competition

Tensions escalated in Nakuru on Thursday morning when students from Butere Girls High School stormed out, demanding the release of the play's scriptwriter, Cleophas Malala, who police had detained.

A day of disorder on April 10, 2025 at the National Theatre and School Cinema Festival in Nakuru, central Kenya, the country's largest drama arts festival. Colleges and high schools throughout the country represent original works. But on Thursday, the girls of Butere High School were unable to play their play, censored by the authorities. They simply played the national anthem before being escorted out of the theatre by the police.

Why government stopped 'Echoes of War' play

Education CS Julius Ogamba explained why Butere Girls were prevented from performing their Echoes of War play at the national level.

Butere Girls School' Echoes of War: Kenya police fire tear gas during Cleophas Malala's play

A play critical of the government was initially disqualified from the competition under unclear circumstances.

Kenya: ODM Condemns Mistreatment of Butere Girls Students, Journalists Over Echoes of War Play

Nairobi -- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has condemned the mistreatment of Butere Girls High Schools students and journalists over the Echoes of War play.

Gachagua: How Fluid Is Ruto's Govt That Girls Can Take It Down?

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly denounced what he describes as the “vicious” treatment of students from Butere Girls High School following their performance of the play Echoes of War at the National Drama Festival in Nakuru. “How fluid is your government if girls can bring you down?” Gachagua’s take on Butere Girls’ […] Source