Butere Girls basketball team retain title amid 'Echoes of War' controversy

The victory rubberstamped the school's dominance in the league and booked a ticket to the East African Games. 

In the leadup to the finals, Butere Girls defeated Nairobi Regional champions Olympic while Coastal giants Kaya Tiwi beat St Joseph to advance. 

The Western giants' victory comes amid the controversial school play titled "Echoes of War" which has made national headlines this past week. 

The play, centred on Gen Z's rising against oppression from the government, was directed by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala. 

The school's play was allowed to proceed at the sub-county level, county levels and regional levels but was stifled at the nationals over allegations that the script was significantly altered. 

The students were, however, allowed to perform the play following a court ruling that directed the play be presented at the national level. 

On Wednesday, April 9, security agents blocked Malala from accessing the school premises to train the students. This prompted the students to decline to perform the play at Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru, citing that their director was not present. 

In response to the controversy, Education CS Migos Ogamba claimed that the students did not perform the play of their own volition. 

He also cited that the school's management violated the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) by inviting Malala, a non-teacher, to direct the play. 

"The government did not stop Butere Girls from performing. Are you aware that the students were allowed to perform at 8am? When they came to the stage after the National Anthem, one of them said they are not willing to perform without their director, Mr Malala," Ogamba stated.