Drama unfolded at the 2025 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru on Thursday after students from Butere Girls High School boycotted their much-anticipated performance, demanding the presence and release of their play’s director, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
The students, dressed in their vibrant stage costumes, staged a peaceful protest at the venue, chanting “We want our director!” and refusing to perform their play, Echoes of War, which had earlier been banned and later reinstated by a court order.
In a video seen by The Star, the visibly emotional students were seen running within the compound of the festival venue, allegedly after being harassed by police. A woman in the video is heard advising them to stay together for safety. One of the students said they had been intimidated and denied basic rights.
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“We have rights and we want our director,” the girl asserted, her voice trembling with emotion.
Malala Detained Despite Court Order
The former senator, a renowned playwright and the author of Echoes of War, was reportedly barred from accessing the venue at Kirobon Girls High School on Wednesday. Malala claimed his vehicle was barricaded by police at around 5 p.m., and by Thursday morning, Advocate Ndegwa Njiru confirmed that Malala was being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station.
His arrest has caused uproar among students and sympathizers, especially given that a High Court had already lifted the ban that initially blocked Butere Girls from performing the controversial play.
Allegations of Sabotage
Insiders allege that Butere Girls were deliberately denied essential infrastructure during their slot at the festival — including a public address system, microphones, props, and even a supportive audience — all key components made available to other schools.
Observers at the festival claim this created an unfair environment for the students, prompting their emotional protest and refusal to go on stage without their director.
About the Play: Echoes of War
Echoes of War is a Gen Z-themed stage play that delves into post-war recovery, digital activism, governance, and social justice. Set in a fictional nation healing from civil conflict, the play features young people leading change through digital platforms while confronting institutional resistance.
The play has been praised for its bold storytelling and thought-provoking critique of governance, especially in the context of civil liberties and youth empowerment. Its bold stance has, however, drawn criticism from government quarters, leading to its initial disqualification during the regional festivals.
Drama Festival in Spotlight
This year’s 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival is themed “Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent While Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity.” The unfolding events surrounding Echoes of War and the treatment of Butere Girls have, however, cast a shadow over the festival’s mission and integrity.
Questions are now being raised about freedom of expression in schools and the role of the arts in addressing contemporary social and political issues.
As of Thursday evening, it remained unclear whether Butere Girls would be allowed another chance to stage their play or if Malala would be released to reunite with his students.