• Butere Girls’ High School was set to perform the play on April 10, 2025 but failed claiming they wanted the presence of their director Cleophas Malala who was arrested the day before the play was set to be performed.

The play “Echos of war” by Butere Girls High School has sparked reactions at the annual Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival happening in Nakuru County.

This bold play written and directed by the former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has sparked controversy due its alleged criticism of the government.

Butere Girls’ High School was set to perform the play on April 10, 2025 but failed claiming they wanted the presence of their director Cleophas Malala who was arrested the day before the play was set to be performed.

The play explores contemporary issues like technology, governance and social justice, particularly relevant to Gen Z, and the struggle for young people on civil liberties.

Echos of war was disqualified during the western region drama festival due to unclear circumstances but the court, lifted the ban when Justice Wilfrida Okwany suspended any letter banning or barring the school from participating in the festival.

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Leon Malala, the son of Cleophas Malala has expressed frustrations and agony following his father’s arrest.

“My father has been arrested just because of writing a play performed by young girls in Butere Girls. It echoes and vents out the challenges the Gen Zs and the youths of this country face. With all due respect Mr President, I do ask, where did the freedom of expression in this country go?" he said.

Kenyans on X have also expressed their frustrations saying:

@PulseLiveKenya

I stand with Butere Girls drama team, let the Children be creative. - Gathoni Wamuchomba.

@georgediano

The incidences happening before the play is performed are enough synopsis of the play. The government is now performing the play on behalf of Butere Girls.

@kosgei_tim88070

What happened today at Lions Gate School—where Butere Girls High School students were teargassed and blocked from performing their play Echoes of the War—is deeply shameful and a blatant attack on artistic expression and the voices of young people. So shameful!!

@mwabilimwagodi

Now high school children are on school holidays are seeing what is happening to Butere Girls High School.

This whole incident is not new. In 2013, Butere Girls faced a similar situation with their play 'Shackles of Doom' also written by Cleophas Malala.

'Shackles of Doom,' addressed themes of ethnic inequality and resource allocation. The Ministry of Education initially banned the play, citing potential risks to national cohesion. However, the play went on to be staged during that year's drama festivals following court intervention.