Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala found himself in a tense standoff with DCI officers and uniformed police outside Kirobon Girls’ School in Nakuru, where students from Butere Girls are currently staying.
Malala, who is the scriptwriter of the controversial play Echoes of War, had reportedly gone to meet the students ahead of their scheduled performance at the ongoing National Drama and Film Festivals.
The students are set to perform the play tomorrow morning, despite reports that it had been banned following a directive from State House due to its sensitive political content.
Drama unfolded at the school gates when Malala was blocked from accessing or leaving the premises. According to eyewitnesses, the presence of law enforcement officers signaled a possible looming arrest, though no official reason was given on the ground.
Echoes of War has sparked nationwide debate over censorship in the arts, especially after news of the alleged ban emerged. The piece, said to be deeply critical of current political dynamics and governance, has drawn attention not just for its boldness, but also for involving students in delivering its message on a national stage.
As of now, neither Malala nor government officials have issued a formal statement on the incident, but tension continues to rise as the festival heads into its final days. Whether the play will go on remains uncertain.
