Leaders Weigh In on the Controversy Surrounding 'Echoes of War'

The recent drama surrounding Butere Girls’ performance of the play ‘Echoes of War’ has ignited a national conversation, with leaders across the political spectrum expressing their views. Scheduled for April 10, 2025, the play's performance was canceled.

The performance was set to take place at the annual Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County. The students decided to cancel the performance, insisting on former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala's presence, as he was detained and transferred to Eldama Ravine police station in Baringo County. Malala is the scriptwriter of the play.

Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), has been vocal about the discrimination faced by the students, alleging that higher authorities orchestrated the play's cancellation.

“It is disheartening to see Butere Girls being denied their rights,” he stated. Wamalwa emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, asserting that despite court orders allowing the performance, the students' rights were still violated.

He pointed out that if ‘Echoes of War’ were to win at the festival, it would be performed at State House, arguing that the play addresses critical issues such as education and healthcare that are currently failing in the country.

He has warned that blocking the performance could lead to contempt of court, pledging to return to court to protect the students’ rights. Wamalwa lamented the public's exclusion from the event, warning of a potential return to dictatorship and drawing parallels with the struggles faced by students during South Africa's apartheid.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has echoed Wamalwa's sentiments, pointing out that the play had a valid court order permitting its performance. He criticized the authorities for their excessive actions, calling them unlawful and shameful.

“We need a formal statement to understand who believes they can dictate the dos and don’ts of the creative arts in Kenya,” he stated, emphasizing the need to protect children's rights to create and perform without fear.

Lawyer Fanya Mambo Kinuthia has added his voice, stating that the girls deserve an apology for the treatment they received. “This is the biggest low that we have sunk to as a nation. We need an apology and we must see somebody punished for this, especially for the teargassing of young girls,” he said.

Lawyer Willis Otieno has also weighed in, praising the bravery of the Butere Girls. He has referenced the U.S. Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, affirming that students retain their rights and voices within educational settings. “Well done, girls,” he said.