Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Echoes of War, the political drama scripted by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and performed by students from Butere Girls’ High School.
In a press update issued on Thursday, April 10, Mwaura acknowledged the heightened tensions at the ongoing National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru, confirming that the government is monitoring the situation closely.
“On Butere Girls’ Echoes of War, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba will issue a comprehensive statement shortly,” Mwaura said.
While reaffirming the state’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression, Mwaura issued a caution against what he termed as the politicization of student platforms, warning political figures against using minors for partisan messaging.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring freedom of expression. Political actors shouldn’t use children to speak on their behalf in order to settle scores,” he emphasized.
The remarks come after Butere Girls’ students refused to perform the play on Thursday morning at the Melvin Jones Lions Academy. The students demanded the release and presence of their scriptwriter, Cleophas Malala, who was arrested the previous night and temporarily detained by police.
The students’ refusal to perform follows what many have called an attempt to censor critical youth voices, with the play delving into themes such as poor governance, youth activism, technological manipulation, and social justice—echoing the 2024 anti-government protests.
Despite a High Court ruling that reinstated the play after its disqualification at the Western Region level, police presence, blocked access to performance equipment, and missing cast members have continued to mar the festival proceedings.
