Butere Girls High School made a dramatic stand at the ongoing 2025 Kenya National Drama Festival in Nakuru by refusing to perform their play ‘Echoes of War’. The students took to the stage only to sing the national anthem, observing a minute of silence before exiting, citing the absence of their director, soundtracks and stage backdrops as the reason for their withdrawal.
Echoes of War, written by former UDA Secretary General and Senator Cleophas Malala, has been a subject of intense debate since its debut at this year’s festivals. The play, which allegedly critiques the government, was initially barred from being staged at the national level. However, Malala secured a High Court order that reinstated it into the official program.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday evening when a video circulated online showing police officers denying Malala entry into Kirobom Girls Secondary School in Rongai, Nakuru, where rehearsals were scheduled. Authorities provided no explanation for the restriction.
By Thursday morning, as the students made their way to Melvin Jones Grounds for their scheduled performance, their director remained in police custody at Elda Maravine Police Station. Meanwhile, a heavy police presence—including anti-riot officers—was deployed at the venue from as early as 6 a.m.
Despite the pressure, Butere Girls stood their ground. Refusing to stage the play unless their demands are addressed. Their symbolic appearance on stage, followed by their exit, was met with cheers from Kenyans lining the roadside in a show of solidarity.
With the students’ refusal to perform, attention now turns to the Kenya National Drama Festival Committee and the Kenya Police Service to see whether they will meet the school’s demands or maintain their stance.
More updates to follow.
