President William Ruto has called on parents, teachers, and leaders across the country to shield Kenyan children from negative influences, warning that his government will act firmly against those seeking to corrupt young minds.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House, Nakuru, while hosting winners of the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2025, President Ruto emphasized the need for collective responsibility in nurturing the next generation.
“We must protect our children from pedophiles, drug peddlers, and predators who seek to corrupt them with toxic ethnicity and divisive politics,” said the President.
He added that the government would not stand by while the country’s future was being destroyed by individuals pursuing narrow interests.
“I will not allow this nation to go down the drain because of people pursuing their own selfish and narrow interests,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of moral upbringing, saying Kenya’s children must grow up in an environment that promotes integrity, unity, and patriotism.
The President’s remarks come against the backdrop of growing criticism over the government’s handling of the “Echoes of War” play, performed by Butere Girls High School during the festival held in Nakuru on April 10.
The students were initially blocked from rehearsals and later compelled to begin their performance earlier than scheduled—an incident that triggered national debate and public outrage over censorship and political interference in creative arts.
The play, authored by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, once a government ally but now a vocal critic, tells the story of a fictional kingdom grappling with disillusioned youth. Its themes have been interpreted by many as a critique of contemporary leadership.
Despite the controversy, Butere Girls’ bold presentation won national acclaim and sparked conversations about freedom of expression and the role of arts in political commentary.
President Ruto did not directly address the issue during his speech, but his emphasis on protecting students from “divisive politics” appeared to indirectly allude to the ongoing debate.
