Nakuru, Kenya (News.of The South) – The 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals currently underway in Nakuru have been thrown into the spotlight following a court order compelling Butere Girls High School to present their controversial play, “Echoes of War.” This directive comes after the play was initially barred from the Western Regional winners’ gala, leading to a legal challenge and significant public debate.
The Controversy Unfolds:
“Echoes of War,” penned by former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, tackles the sensitive subject of the “Gen-Z protests” that swept through Kenya in June 2024. These protests saw a massive youth uprising against the government’s proposed Finance Bill. The play reportedly centers on the experiences and perspectives of this young generation, exploring themes of governance, technology, social justice, and the role of youth in shaping societal change in a post-civil war fictional nation called the Royal Velvet Emirates. It also features an AI character named Anifa Imana, symbolizing both the promise and potential dangers of technology in unregulated spaces.
The trouble began when the play was controversially dropped after winning at the Butere Sub-County level and securing third position at the Western Regional Drama Festivals. Subsequently, the school’s principal, Jennifer Omondi, allegedly sent the 50 students involved in the production home, effectively halting their preparations for the national event in Nakuru. Reports suggest that the principal’s apprehension stemmed from the play’s politically charged themes and potential implications at the national level, possibly due to a directive from State House. This decision sparked outrage among students, parents, and the play’s writer.
Legal Intervention and the Court’s Decision:
Anifa Mango, a former student of Butere Girls High School and an experienced actor, filed a petition in court challenging the decision to bar the play. She argued that the principal’s actions were unconstitutional, unlawful, and a violation of the students’ rights to express themselves and showcase their talents. Mango highlighted the emotional distress and humiliation suffered by the students and the denial of their opportunity to perform on a national stage.
On April 3, 2025, Justice Wilfrida Okwany delivered a ruling in favor of the students. The court ordered the Butere Girls High School principal to immediately recall the 50 students and ensure they could perform “Echoes of War” in its original form at the National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru. The judge also suspended any communication that barred the school’s participation. This decision was based on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Following the court order, the Ministry of Education has stepped in to assure the public that Butere Girls High School will indeed participate in the festival. Basic Education Principal Secretary Professor Julius Bitok, speaking at the official opening of the festivals in Nakuru on April 7, 2025, confirmed that the “issues” surrounding the play had been resolved and that the students would perform as scheduled.
The inclusion of “Echoes of
War” has generated significant buzz at the national festival, with many anticipating its bold portrayal of contemporary youth issues. This incident has also reignited discussions about censorship in school drama festivals, particularly when plays address sensitive political and social themes. The case draws parallels to a 2013 incident where another play written by Cleophas Malala, “Shackles of Doom,” was initially banned but later allowed to be staged following a successful court petition.
The 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals, running from April 7th to 18th in Nakuru, have adopted the theme “Leveraging Technology to Nurture Talent while Inculcating National Values for Socio-economic Prosperity.” The participation of Butere Girls High School and their controversial play is expected to add a significant layer of discussion and engagement to this year’s event, highlighting the power of creative arts in reflecting and challenging societal norms.
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