The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly condemned the government’s actions against Butere Girls High School and its play titled “Echoes of War,” which was featured at the ongoing National Drama Festival in Nakuru.
In a statement released on Thursday, ODM Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, expressed disbelief over the government’s reaction to the high school play, describing it as a clear attempt to stifle the voices of young artists. “Echoes of War,” a production by Butere Girls, has reportedly faced harsh criticism and attempts at censorship from authorities, sparking outrage among supporters of free expression.
Read: CS Muturi Goes After Ruto Again as Sifuna Links Nairobi City Mortuary to Killings
The ODM pointed out that the play, which touches on themes of war and societal conflict, was nothing more than an artistic expression by school children, who should be allowed the freedom to convey their creative work without fear of retaliation. The party highlighted that the drama festival was a platform for students to showcase their talents and should not be subjected to political interference.
Senator Sifuna reminded the government that freedom of expression is enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, and all citizens—regardless of age—have the right to express themselves, even if their messages are unpopular or controversial.
“The actions taken by the government against Butere Girls and the artists involved in this play are an unacceptable overreach. The government should not be frightened by the voices of young people expressing themselves through art,” said Sifuna.
Earlier, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi also condemned the government’s interference, calling it a direct attack on freedom of expression and artistic liberty. Moi warned that suppressing student art could set a dangerous precedent. “Art, in all its forms, has always been a means through which society reflects on itself. Suppressing this only leads to a stifled and unprogressive society,” he said.
Read: Gideon Moi Condemns State Intimidation of Butere Girls’ Play at National Drama Festival
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also waded into the controversy, questioning why neither the Ministry of Education nor State House had issued a statement condemning the attack on Butere Girls. Kalonzo further criticized the arrest of the play’s scriptwriter, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
“Arresting their scriptwriter Cleophas Malala, whose only crime was to exercise his rights guaranteed under Article 33 of our Constitution, only confirms the fear our leaders have of truth. Art is not a crime,” Kalonzo said. “The chants of ‘No Butere, No Drama… #RutoMustGo!’ are the voices of a generation fed up with repression, abductions and killings.”
Read: Ruto Unites with ODM for Kenya’s Development
ODM also condemned the mistreatment of journalists and other festival attendees during the controversy and called for an immediate end to efforts to silence young voices.
The party urged authorities to allow Butere Girls to stage their play, just as other schools have, and to respect the constitutional rights of students to express themselves creatively.
The controversy surrounding “Echoes of War” has sparked public debate about the limits of artistic freedom in Kenya, with many calling for the government to respect and uphold the cultural rights of students and young artists.
Do you want to be published? Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or Whatsapp 0721930260
