Education CS Ogamba: Butere Girls Chose Not to Perform ‘Echoes of War’
The Ministry of Education has denied claims that it barred students from Butere Girls High School from performing their contentious play Echoes of War during the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru County.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba clarified that the students opted not to stage their performance. Instead, they began chanting the name of former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala upon arriving at the venue, demanding his release from police custody.
Concerns were raised over the students’ intent, with the Education CS questioning the basis of their chants and expressing uncertainty over Malala’s role in their academic environment. The official inquiry came amid growing backlash from the public and political leaders who were dissatisfied with what was perceived as an unjustified prevention of the performance.
Approximately two hours before the matter was formally addressed, the students had chosen not to perform their play. Instead, they sang the national anthem and exited the stage area. As they attempted to leave, police officers intervened to manage the crowd that had gathered around them. To disperse the onlookers, law enforcement officers reportedly released tear gas canisters into the crowd.
Technical Difficulties and Protests Reported
According to preliminary information, the learners were not provided with a public address system, a move that influenced their decision to withdraw from the festival. Video footage captured the students fleeing the performance area while calling for their director, Cleophas Malala, who was detained at the time.
Read Also: Police Teargas of Butere Girls at School Drama Festival Sparks Political Uproar
Attempts by teachers and stakeholders to calm the situation failed, and the students briefly protested outside Melvin Johns Hall to voice their grievances. Following the standoff, the Butere Girls contingent left for Kakamega under a heavy police escort.
Several opposition leaders publicly criticised the government’s handling of the matter. Among them, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned President William Ruto’s administration for allowing security officers to use tear gas on the students, adding to the nationwide outrage.
Education CS Ogamba: Butere Girls Chose Not to Perform ‘Echoes of War’
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