Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has praised students of Butere Girls High School after they boycotted the performance of a controversial play he authored, describing their actions as a “heroic moment” in Kenya’s artistic and civil rights space.
The students were set to perform Echoes of War during the Kenya National Drama Festival, but instead sang the national anthem on stage and walked off in protest after they were allegedly denied access to basic performance tools, including microphones, costumes, and props.
The protest followed the temporary banning of the play by drama festival officials, despite a court order later allowing its performance.
Speaking from Eldama Ravine Police Station, where he was being held, Malala criticized what he termed as victimization of students and censorship of artistic expression.
“It was a heroic moment for those girls because they wouldn’t have performed without the audience, décor, costume and their directors. That is unfair, and I believe officials must be held accountable for denying the students their right to perform in an artistic activity,” Malala said during a phone interview with Spice FM.
Malala, who also served as the UDA Secretary General, was arrested on Wednesday night, reportedly in connection to the controversy surrounding the play.
He expressed sympathy for the Butere Girls learners, commending them for their bravery and resilience.
“Let them gather hope and courage. This is a great moment. They have been inscribed in history as people who stood up for the liberation of this country,” he said.
“Drama festival has been there for a very long time and we’ve had a variety of themes exposed at the national level. It is unfortunate that officials chose to victimize young souls who are simply engaging in creative expression.”
Echoes of War explores themes around governance, digital activism, and social justice, drawing parallels with Kenya’s Gen Z movement.
The storyline focuses on a country emerging from civil conflict, with youth at the center of rebuilding efforts. It critiques the role of technology in governance and highlights the struggle for civil liberties among young people.
The play had initially been banned for its strong political overtones, which some officials claimed were critical of government.
However, the High Court lifted the ban on April 3 when Justice Wilfrida Okwany ruled against any move to bar the school from participating in the festival.
