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Supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have spoken out strongly against the treatment of Butere Girls High School students and journalists following the staging of the controversial play Echoes of War. They are calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, a group of lawmakers led by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba condemned the incident, labeling it a “shameful act” and accusing the government of orchestrating state-sanctioned violence.
“We demand immediate accountability. Those involved must be brought to justice. Staying silent amid such abuse is equivalent to endorsing it. Kenya must decide whether it stands for freedom or oppression,” said Wamuchomba.
She decried the violation of children’s and artists’ rights, describing it as a serious breach of the Constitution that cannot be overlooked.
“The girls said on national TV they went without food, sleep, or even basic hygiene before the performance. This is no way to treat our children. As part of this administration, I must speak out,” she added.
Concerns Over Use of Force Against Students
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto echoed her sentiments, condemning the use of force against students involved in a peaceful, educational event.
“Students must not be turned into political targets. This crackdown reflects a government increasingly intolerant of even the mildest dissent, including from young people,” Wandeto said.
He linked the incident to the state’s previous heavy-handed response to the 2024 Gen Z protests, including alleged abductions.
“Let young people express themselves. Their right to do so, and to choose how it is expressed, is protected,” he added.
Senator Questions Targeting of Malala
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa questioned why former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala, who authored the controversial play, was being targeted.
“Malala is under fire simply for speaking truth to power. Those who challenge the system are the ones being intimidated. If he were aligned with the President’s camp, none of this would be happening,” Thangwa argued.
He accused the government of turning its back on the youth.
“Rather than investing in education, this government is now turning its force on students. After forcing them off the streets, it’s now storming their schools,” he said.
Censorship Sparks Outrage
Tensions flared during the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival after members of the public and journalists were barred from accessing Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru, where Butere Girls was set to perform Echoes of War.
The play, which critiques governance failures and reflects on the 2024 Gen Z protests, had already captured national interest.
Malala, the scriptwriter, was arrested on Wednesday night under unclear circumstances and later moved from Nakuru Central Police Station, sparking outrage over what many see as a crackdown on free speech.
Silent Protest Amid Chaos
Malala’s detention, which came just hours before the performance, was widely viewed as an attack on artistic freedom.
Although a court had overturned an earlier ban on the play, the festival organizers were accused of censoring it once again. In response, Butere Girls students staged a silent protest—singing the national anthem before walking off the stage without performing.
Outside the venue, chaos erupted as police reportedly fired teargas at both students and journalists.
The government has come under increasing fire from civil society groups, politicians, and human rights bodies over what they describe as an excessive and repressive response to artistic expression.
