Echoes of War: All missing Butere Girls' students now accounted for, Malala says

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala had earlier raised the alarm, reporting that 15 girls were unaccounted for, urging the police to provide answers.

“Our cast comprises 38 girls. We have received information that 15 girls are missing. We want to know where our girls are. Police should produce the girls,” he told reporters Thursday morning.

It has since been confirmed that the missing students were found safe. Malala clarified that the girls had scattered for safety and were separated from their fellow students after police deployed teargas to disperse journalists and local residents who had gathered around the school during the standoff on Wednesday night.

The ‘Echoes of War’ play was set to be performed at the National Drama Festival Thursday morning, but this did not happen after police blocked Malala, the playwright and director, from accessing the venue.

As a result, the students refused to perform. When they took the stage around 8 am on Thursday, they sang the National Anthem instead of performing their play as they broke down in tears and exited the stage. The students were also denied the use of a public address system, which had been a key part of the festival.

‘Echoes of War’ has been a centre of attention as its theme is on Kenya’s governance and the 2024 youth-led anti-government protests.

The play was disqualified during the Western Region Drama Festivals under unclear circumstances.

A subsequent High Court ruling overturned that decision, reinstating the play and ordering its inclusion in the national lineup.

The play was marred by fresh controversy on Wednesday when Malala was blocked from accessing Kirobon Girls.