Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has broken his silence following his arrest on Wednesday night, amid growing national attention surrounding the controversial play Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School.
Speaking in a phone interview with Spice FM on Thursday morning, Malala confirmed that he is being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station and has yet to be informed of any charges or reason for his arrest.
“They have told me nothing. I have been behind bars since yesterday at around 11 pm. Nobody is talking to me. I am just in the police cells waiting for the next course of action,” he said.
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Arrest Linked to Controversial Play
Malala, who is the playwright and director of Echoes of War, was arrested after a tense standoff with police at Kirobon Girls High School in Rongai Subcounty, Nakuru County. The school is one of the venues hosting the ongoing Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival.
The former senator had gone to oversee final rehearsals for the Butere Girls’ performance when police blocked him from accessing the venue. Tension escalated quickly, and tear gas was fired to disperse curious crowds gathered outside the gate.
“Last night was quite an ugly night for Kenya. We are very disappointed in the manner in which the government is handling this matter,” Malala said, describing the chaos.
Court-Reinstated Play Still Under Pressure
The play Echoes of War had been previously banned from the national stage by education authorities, allegedly due to its Gen Z-driven storyline that critiques the government. However, on April 3, Justice Wilfrida Okwany lifted the ban, allowing Butere Girls to proceed with their presentation.
The play explores themes of technology, governance, and social justice, focusing on a youth-led nation rebuilding after a civil war. It portrays the power of digital activism and the civic agency of young people in shaping public discourse—topics that have seemingly unsettled some quarters within the state.
Despite the court order, sources allege that the school has continued facing hostility at the festival, including denial of performance essentials such as microphones, props, and even a fair audience.
Malala: “Let the Girls Tell Their Story”
Malala expressed deep sympathy for the students, criticizing authorities for what he termed as the “victimization of innocent talents.”
“I empathise with the young talents of Butere Girls who have given themselves to nurture talent and expose evil deeds of this country through arts,” he stated.
“Drama festivals have long been a platform for free expression. It is unfortunate for officials to clamp down on students who simply want to tell their story through art. This play is not about incitement or name-calling—it’s a mirror of society.”
As Malala remains behind bars with no formal charge communicated, pressure is mounting on the Ministry of Education and security agencies to explain the continued intimidation of student performers and their mentors.
The 2025 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, themed “Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent While Inculcating Value for Social Prosperity,” runs from April 7 to 15 in Nakuru County.