The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, has announced that the Ministry of Education is conducting an investigation into the disruptions that followed the canceled performance of Butere Girls High School at the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru.
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Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday evening, Bitok dismissed claims that police tear-gassed the students during the incident. He said he was not fully informed of the exact interaction between law enforcement officers at the venue and the students.
However, he confirmed that the students had safely returned to school after choosing not to perform during their allocated time slot.
Bitok emphasized that the Ministry had complied with a court directive permitting the school to participate in the national event, even though the play had initially been flagged. Because the school was not part of the original performance schedule, it was assigned a time outside the official program hours.
“They were given the first performance slot, but they declined to take the stage, saying they couldn’t perform without their director, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala,” Bitok explained.
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He clarified that Malala, being a non-teacher, was not allowed entry into the festival venue, in line with education regulations that bar non-teachers from participating in such events. Bitok added that the Ministry is reviewing these guidelines.
When questioned about why the rule is only now being enforced—despite Malala’s involvement in directing school plays since 2013—Bitok responded that the Ministry is examining the matter and will review how the regulation is applied going forward.
He reassured the public that the national drama festivals were continuing without further disruptions.
