In a dramatic turn of events at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru, Butere Girls High School’s drama team walked off stage without performing their much-anticipated play, Echoes of War, in protest of what they described as systemic frustration and censorship.
The walkout occurred on Thursday, April 10, at Kirobon Girls High School, one of the hosting venues for the national festivals.
The students, who had traveled to Nakuru under a court directive to perform after earlier disqualification, chose instead to sing the national anthem and leave the stage —an emotional stand that has since gone viral and sparked national debate.
According to witnesses, the Butere team was met with resistance upon arrival—denied crucial stage resources like public address systems and props.
“We were harassed by the police. They took us to the stage with nothing—no sound system, no stage setup. We just sang the national anthem and walked out. We couldn’t perform without our director, and we hadn’t even rehearsed.” Said the students from Butere Girls in frustration.
Shortly after their exit, police officers allegedly used teargas to disperse the students and members of the public outside the venue, intensifying the emotional strain already felt by the performers.
What’s the Play About?
Echoes of War, written by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, is set in a fictional kingdom and explores intergenerational struggles, power, and youth-led resistance against tyranny.
Though fictional, the play’s themes echo the frustrations of real-world youth—especially following Kenya’s Gen Z-led protests in 2024.
While the play’s content was never officially banned, its controversial undertones appear to have triggered discomfort in some quarters, sparking claims of suppression.
When Did the Trouble Begin?
Trouble began at the regional level, where the Butere Girls’ play was abruptly disqualified from proceeding to the nationals. This was after a directive from state house through the Chief Principal, Jennipher Omondi to bar their play. Following an urgent court application, Justice Fridah Okwany of the High Court ruled that the girls be reinstated and allowed to perform, emphasizing their right to artistic expression.
“The exclusion of the drama team was unfair and against the spirit of national cohesion and creativity. The girls must be allowed to perform,” the court ruled.
The chief principal was then ordered to recall the 50-member team to prepare for nationals.
Reactions and Fallout
Despite the court victory, things took a darker turn in Nakuru. The media was reportedly blocked from accessing the venue, sparking even more suspicion. Government officials have denied any gag order.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, through his X account tweeted:
“There is a special joy in taking the stage in the National Festival. Student actors and actresses work so hard to get there. It is a cut-throat competition. Butere Girls have not been stopped from performing their play. It will be staged, as far as I know. Nawatakia mema,”
Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi also weighed in, applauding the students for their bravery further urging authorities to celebrate rather than suppress youth expression.
“The young girls are not enemies of the state but the daughters of this nation. Rather than being punished for speaking the truth through art, they should be celebrated.” Gideon stated
Why It Matters
In Kenya, the struggle between student expression and external authority has been an ongoing issue, with past incidents shedding light on similar struggles. In 2013, Butere Girls’ drama play Shackles of Doom was disqualified from the National Drama Festivals due to its social commentary.
The decision sparked debate and was later overturned by a court, allowing the students to perform.
Similarly, in 2015, Lang’ata Road Primary School students faced police repression during a protest against the sale of their playground, with tear gas injuring several.
The incident ignited national outrage and brought attention to the use of force against students during peaceful demonstrations, raising important questions about the treatment of youth in the face of institutional decisions.
The Butere Girls saga touches on larger issues of freedom of expression, censorship in schools, and the role of art in confronting societal truths. What began as a school play has now become a national conversation.
