CJ Koome Rebukes Police for Teargas Assault on Butere Girls Students.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly criticized the police for using force against students from Butere Girls Secondary School during a standoff concerning the controversial Echoes of War play.
On Thursday morning, police officers fired tear gas at the students as they were leaving the National Drama Festivals, which had taken place at Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru. The students had chosen to exit the stage after deciding not to perform the play and were heading directly to the school bus.
In her statement, CJ Koome expressed deep concerns regarding the police’s actions, emphasizing that they violated the rights and welfare of the students. The children, she noted, are entitled to special protection under the Constitution, the Children’s Act, and international human rights agreements.
Koome also questioned whether the police had adhered to High Court orders, which required the organizers of the Kenya National Drama Festivals to ensure the students performed the play. She raised serious doubts about the respect for and compliance with these court orders.
Koome pointed out the significance of respecting court rulings, asserting that the incident raised serious questions about the enforcement of judicial decisions. The Chief Justice stressed that a fundamental principle of constitutional democracy is that all individuals and institutions, including State organs, officers, and public officials, must follow court orders.
She highlighted that defying these orders not only undermines the courts’ authority but also threatens the rule of law, which serves as the foundation of the nation’s society.
The Chief Justice emphasized that any departure from this principle weakens public trust in institutions and undermines democracy. She condemned the events that occurred as they deviated from the constitutional duty to safeguard the rights of all citizens, particularly children, in both public and private life.
Controversy Surrounding the Play
The Echoes of War play has been the subject of ongoing controversy due to its theme, which centers on a Gen Z uprising against governmental oppression. This controversial play has sparked various reactions, leading to heightened tensions.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba defended the government’s position, explaining that the students refused to perform the play on stage, which led to the incident. Ogamba further criticized schools for inviting individuals who are not teachers to direct such plays, asserting that this violates the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regulations.
The CS made it clear that political conflicts should be handled by politicians outside of the educational environment, stressing that children should not be used as pawns in political battles. He stated, “We cannot allow people to weaponize school children against authority.”
CJ Koome Rebukes Police for Teargas Assault on Butere Girls Students.
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