In April 2025, Butere Girls High School in Kenya found itself at the center of a national controversy during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival held in Nakuru. The uproar stemmed from their performance of Echoes of War, a provocative play written by former senator Cleophas Malala.
Set in a fictional kingdom, the play portrays a tyrannical ruler in conflict with youth activists. Its storyline drew clear parallels to Kenya’s 2024 anti-tax protests and broader critiques of governance. The powerful themes resonated strongly with audiences but also sparked tension, ultimately leading to a series of dramatic and highly publicized events.
Did Butere Girls High School Get to Perform Echoes of War?
Initially, the play was disqualified from the festival under unclear circumstances, prompting Butere Girls High School to seek legal recourse. On April 3, a High Court ruling directed the school’s principal to permit 50 students to perform at the national level. Despite the court order, resistance continued.
On April 9, former senator Cleophas Malala was arrested and briefly detained, and was barred from meeting the students for rehearsals. The following day, as the students prepared to perform, they encountered further harassment—including being denied access to essential equipment such as microphones and a public address system.
In a bold act of protest, the Butere Girls took the stage at 8 a.m., sang the national anthem, and walked off, refusing to perform under the oppressive conditions. Their stand inspired other schools to join in solidarity, suspending their own performances in support.
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Security Forces and Tear Gas: Escalating Tensions at Butere Girls High School
The situation escalated when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds gathered to watch the play, affecting both students and journalists covering the event. Six journalists reported injuries, and 15 students from Butere Girls were briefly reported missing, though they were later found safe.
The heavy-handed police response drew widespread condemnation from prominent figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, and the International Commission of Jurists–Kenya. They called for thorough investigations into the suppression of free expression and the excessive use of force by security personnel.
The incident highlighted deeper issues of censorship and the state’s sensitivity to artistic critique in Kenya. Cleophas Malala, a known government critic, had previously sparked controversy in 2013 with his play Shackles of Doom—also performed by Butere Girls High School which was similarly banned before being reinstated by a court order.
The Echoes of War saga underscored both the power of student activism and the ongoing struggle for creative freedom. The students’ walkout, marked by their patriotic defiance, was widely praised as a bold stand against repression and a poignant reminder of the role of youth in defending democratic expression.
Although the play was ultimately not performed as planned, the surrounding events amplified its message, sparking nationwide debate about governance, youth agency, and the role of art in challenging authority. In response to the controversy, the Ministry of Education promised a review of festival regulations, particularly concerning the involvement of non-teachers in school productions. Nevertheless, the incident left a lasting mark on Kenya’s cultural and political landscape, cementing Echoes of War as more than just a play—it became a symbol of resistance and the enduring fight for freedom of expression.