Malala claims 15 Butere Girls students missing

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has called for the release of the cast of the ‘Echoes of War’ play by Butere Girls High School students.

Speaking outside Eldama Ravine Police Station on Thursday mid-morning, Malala claimed 15 students were missing.

“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 after his release.

Malala, the writer of the play, said he was whisked to the police station at around midnight Wednesday.

He condemned police officers who resorted to firing tear gas canisters at students on Wednesday night at Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru.

“The officers should stop using excessive force on our students. They are patriotic and have done no wrong,” he said.

On Thursday, journalists and the public audience were blocked from accessing Kirobon Girls, where the National Drama Festival was being held. 

Consequently, the girls declined to perform the play. 

Taking the stage at around 8 am on Thursday, the students’ echoes were silenced after being denied a public address system that has been in use for the festival. 

Instead of performing the play, the cast sang the National Anthem as they broke down and left the stage.

‘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.