‘Echoes of War’ and Five High-Impact Plays by Malala That Rocked National Drama Festivals

‘Echoes of War’ and Five High-Impact Plays by Malala That Rocked National Drama Festivals.

Cleophas Malala, the former Kakamega Senator, has left an indelible mark on Kenya’s theatre scene through a series of powerful, controversial stage plays performed at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival. His works, often performed by high school students, have not only captivated audiences but also sparked heated debates, judicial battles, and institutional backlash.

“Echoes of War” – A Controversial Triumph

When Butere Girls High School showcased Echoes of War at the 2025 Western Region Drama Festivals and secured third place, the play gained instant nationwide attention—not just for its quality but because it was abruptly barred from advancing to the national level. The ban, however, was later overturned through a court ruling.

Set in a fictitious monarchy called the Kingdom of Royal Velvet Emirates, the plot revolves around Mustafa, a computer science student who develops a telemedicine platform aimed at improving healthcare access. Initially praised by the ruling Sultan, Mustafa falls from grace after his old social media posts criticizing the regime resurface. The story delves into themes of political repression, the digital surveillance state, and the tension between innovation and authoritarianism.

The ban stirred significant controversy, largely due to Malala’s political background and ties to the current regime. Yet, this was not the first of his plays to face censorship or intense scrutiny.

Other Plays That Shaped the Drama Festival Discourse

1. Shackles of Doom – Confronting Marginalisation

In 2013, Butere Girls also performed Shackles of Doom, which was similarly disqualified at the national level despite progressing through all previous rounds. The festival’s organizers cited political sensitivity, igniting national debate over censorship in the arts.

The play takes place in a fictional land inhabited by the Kanas, a marginalised ethnic community. Wamaitha, a young Kana girl, is forced into marriage with a wealthy investor as a trade-off for development benefits. However, the investor’s company exploits Kana territory for oil while systematically excluding the locals from employment. As the community’s resentment grows, conflict erupts with tragic consequences. The story drew strong parallels with real-life disputes over oil exploration in Turkana County.

2. The Burdens – Questioning Masculinity and Parenting

Kakamega High School’s 2018 performance of The Burdens earned a national title. The play tells of a teenage boy accused of impregnating several girls and seducing a trainee teacher. Eventually, it is revealed that his behaviour mirrors the toxic guidance he received from Daudi, a male house help who raised him in his parents’ absence.

This piece tackles the dangers of skewed masculinity, absent parenting, and the lasting impact of early socialisation, particularly how boys are shaped by those they emulate during their formative years.

3. Police Brutality – The Inheritance of Violence

Also in 2018, Butere Girls presented Police Brutality, another hard-hitting script by Malala. The play is set in a poor informal settlement neighbouring a privileged school for the children of police officers. It showcases how societal divisions fuel animosity, portraying children adopting discriminatory and violent behaviour from their parents.

The narrative asserts that brutality and injustice are passed down through generations, not born out of individual malice but nurtured by systemic and familial attitudes. The message challenges audiences to reflect on the sources of social inequality and violence.

4. Godless – Spiritual Conflict in a Moral Void

In 2012, Riara Springs Academy won the national title with Godless, a Malala-scripted play. The story critiques the gap between external religiosity and internal ethical bankruptcy within a fictional society. It illustrates how religious institutions and individuals often cling to rituals at the expense of genuine morality, prompting reflection on the authenticity of spiritual practices in a decaying moral landscape.

5. Heaven – The Plagiarism Controversy

In the same year as The Burdens, Mukumu Girls High School staged Heaven, only for the adjudicators to discover it closely mirrored The Antidote by Allan Chahasi. Although it was unclear who had copied whom, the discovery raised alarms about the ethics of script distribution and the rising problem of schools buying near-identical scripts from vendors.

Read Also: Muturi Decries Govt Actions Against Butere Girls During Drama Festival

Despite these concerns, there was little clarity on disciplinary action taken, though the incident led to broader discussions about integrity within the festival circuit.

The Lasting Impact of Malala’s Scripts

From addressing systemic injustice and abuse of power to exploring spiritual hypocrisy and harmful socialisation, Malala’s plays have consistently challenged societal norms. Although often met with resistance from authorities, his work has sparked essential conversations and left an undeniable impact on the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival stage. Through theatre, Malala has proven that student performances can not only entertain but also provoke national reflection.

‘Echoes of War’ and Five High-Impact Plays by Malala That Rocked National Drama Festivals

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