Kenya Insights

Tag: Echoes of war

  • Malala Announces Nationwide Auditions For Controversial ‘Echoes of War’ Play

    Malala Announces Nationwide Auditions For Controversial ‘Echoes of War’ Play

    Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has opened nationwide auditions for his controversial play “Echoes of War,” inviting Kenyans from all walks of life to participate in the production that was previously at the center of a political storm.

    The playwright announced a two-week audition period running from April 22 to May 5, shifting the production from its original cast of Butere Girls students to professional adult actors following criticism from political leaders over its themes.

    “If you are an actor, love the stage, and have the confidence to own a role, this is your moment,” Malala stated in his official announcement, signaling a new direction for the politically charged production.

    The audition process reflects the digital age, with prospective actors required to review the script posted on Malala’s TikTok page, select a character they feel suited for, and record a 30-second video demonstrating their interpretation of the role.

    Participants must then share their audition videos on Instagram and TikTok while tagging Malala, who will later announce a shortlist of candidates invited for in-person auditions.

    The play, set in the fictional Royal Velvet Emirates, tells the story of Mustafa, a young tech innovator whose forward-thinking ideals clash with the traditional, authoritarian leadership of the Sultan.

    Their confrontation creates a dramatic power struggle between generational viewpoints, with the fate of their society hanging in the balance.

    This storyline, widely interpreted as an allegory for the recent tensions between Kenya’s Gen Z protesters and the political establishment, initially led to the play being banned from school competitions due to its perceived political sensitivity.

    The announcement has already generated significant interest, with Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thion’go publicly expressing his desire to participate, writing on social media: “I think I should audition for a role in this play – to awaken my high school talent! Sijui ni audition kama Sultan?”

    Malala’s decision to move forward with the production using professional actors rather than students appears to be both a response to the controversy and an attempt to elevate the play to a larger public platform.

    The playwright has emphasized that the production will now be showcased at public events featuring top talent selected from across the country.

    Theater critics note that the open casting call may serve dual purposes – generating renewed public interest in the production while potentially softening its political edge through diverse casting that could expand interpretations beyond the immediate political context that sparked the initial controversy.

    “Echoes of War” continues to highlight the ongoing tension between traditional governance and youth-led innovation in Kenya, a theme that remains particularly relevant in the aftermath of recent nationwide protests and the growing political consciousness among Kenya’s younger generations.

  • Echoes of War: Teacher Altered Approved Script to Include Anti-Government Propaganda

    Echoes of War: Teacher Altered Approved Script to Include Anti-Government Propaganda

    The principal of Butere Girls High School has issued a show cause letter to a teacher over alleged alterations to the play Echoes of War.

    In a letter obtained by Kenya Insights, the principal claims that the teacher modified the script without approval.

    The principal is demanding that the teacher explain why disciplinary action should not be taken.

    In the letter dated March 25, 2025, the teacher faces potential disciplinary action for allegedly altering the script to include anti-government content during the Regional Drama Festivals.

    The school’s chief principal states that the teacher deviated from the approved script, which was originally presented at the County Level Festival held at Bulimbo Girls High School on March 18, 2025.

    According to the letter, the revised version, performed at the Regional Drama Festival at Chavakali High School on March 22, included unauthorized scenes.

    The principal specifically highlighted scenes where student actors displayed banners and placards with slogans such as “Occupy Space,” “SHA,” and “Cash Cow,” which she claims reflect anti-government sentiments.

    “You are therefore asked to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for altering the original script to make the play reflect anti-government themes,” the letter reads in part.

    The teacher has been given seven days to respond in writing, failing which further disciplinary action will be taken.

    The letter was also copied to key officials, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Secretary, TSC County and Sub-County Directors, and the school’s Board of Management (BOM) Chairperson.

    The incident has sparked discussions on censorship, creative expression, and the role of political commentary in school-based performances.

    The controversy surrounding the play, which explores themes of governance, technology, and youth activism, intensified when it was initially banned from the festival.

    The ban was later lifted by the High Court, allowing the performance to proceed.

    However, tensions escalated when the play’s writer, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, was reportedly detained by police, prompting a boycott by the students who demanded his presence before performing.

    He was later released.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen clarified that the government had no issue with the play itself but expressed concern over the involvement of political figures in student activities.

    He emphasized the importance of keeping education free from political interference and assured that any misconduct by officials would be addressed.

  • Cleophas Malala Under Fire for Exploiting School Kids for Political Gain

    Cleophas Malala Under Fire for Exploiting School Kids for Political Gain

    Politician Cleophas Malala is facing fierce backlash from thespians, educators, and political leaders for allegedly using school drama festivals to push his political agenda.

    Critics accuse him of exploiting young learners by scripting politically charged plays, risking their mental well-being and education.

    His latest play, Echoes of War, was banned from the Western Regional Drama Festival, reigniting outrage over his repeated misuse of school theater.

    Veteran thespians and governance experts like Dan Onyancha and former KNUT Secretary-General Wilson Sossion have condemned Malala’s actions, calling them selfish and illegal.

    Cleophas Malala Under Fire for Exploiting School Kids for Political Gain

    Why Cleophas Malala’s Tactics Are Dangerous

    Cleophas Malala’s transformation from a thespian to a politician has brought with it an unsettling trend: turning school drama festivals into political platforms.

    The most recent controversy erupted when Echoes of War, a play directed by Malala for Kirobon High School, was disqualified from the Western Regional Drama Festival.

    The play, like Shackles of Doom in 2013, was faulted for embedding divisive political messages. The backlash was swift.

    Dan Onyancha, a veteran thespian and respected leadership expert, voiced deep concern over Malala’s continued manipulation of school theatre.

    “Malala must stop poisoning school theatre with his selfish agenda,” he said during a media briefing. “School drama should be a safe space for young people to grow artistically and intellectually—not a stage for political revenge.”

    Onyancha emphasized that theatre in education serves as a powerful tool to nurture critical thinking, empathy, and creativity.

    He warned that dragging students into adult political feuds compromises their learning environment and psychological safety.

    By injecting personal grievances into school productions, Malala shifts focus from artistic learning to political agitation.

    Instead of nurturing creativity, he turns students into unwilling participants in his battles.

    Sossion Accuses Malala of Overstepping Boundaries

    Former KNUT Secretary-General Wilson Sossion also condemned Malala’s involvement in school drama. In a live TV interview on April 10, 2025, Sossion pointed out that Malala’s direct role in writing and directing school plays violates education regulations.

    “Malala is not a trained teacher,” said Sossion. “His direct involvement in school productions contravenes the Teachers Service Commission Act. This is an overreach and a misuse of student platforms.”

    Sossion emphasized that drama festivals play a vital role in student development, but politicians should not hijack them for political messaging.

    He further argued that by injecting controversial political content, Malala is exposing learners to risks including public scrutiny, censorship, and undue stress.

    Echoes of War or Echoes of Irresponsibility?

    Malala’s controversial play, Echoes of War, centers on themes of betrayal, political oppression, and rebellion, reflecting much of Kenya’s current political climate.

    Critics argue that these themes, when presented through the lens of teenage performers, serve more as tools for political influence than as lessons in theatre.

    The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Secretariat cited “overt political messaging” as the reason behind the disqualification.

    This is not the first time Malala’s work has stirred trouble. His 2013 play, Shackles of Doom, performed by Butere Girls, faced a ban due to its tribalist overtones and critique of resource allocation.

    Instead of learning stagecraft and storytelling, students have found themselves entangled in adult controversies.

    In doing so, Malala has not only misused his influence but also distorted the original purpose of drama in education.

    Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai also weighed in, urging the Interior Ministry to protect children from exploitation.

    Quoting Article 53 of the Constitution, Alai argued that Malala’s actions violate children’s rights to a safe, abuse-free education.

    School Theatre Must Remain a Safe Space

    Stakeholders are now calling for stricter guidelines to prevent future misuse of school festivals.

    Wilson Sossion proposed that only certified teachers should be allowed to direct or write plays for school competitions.

    “This is not about silencing artistic expression,” he clarified. “It’s about protecting our learners and upholding the integrity of our education system.”

    Dan Onyancha called on the Ministry of Education and drama festival organizers to be vigilant. “We must ensure that no child becomes collateral damage in the political ambitions of adults,” he said.

    The outrage is not about stifling creativity, but about redirecting it toward constructive, educational goals.

    As schools prepare for the next drama festival season, the call is clear: Let theatre be for students—not for politicians.

  • 5 Key Facts About Butere Girls’ Play ‘Echoes of War’ That Has Sparked Government Backlash

    5 Key Facts About Butere Girls’ Play ‘Echoes of War’ That Has Sparked Government Backlash

    Butere Girls’ play Echoes of War, written and directed by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, has sparked a heated debate in Kenya.

    The play, staged by Butere Girls High School, has drawn the attention of the police, judiciary, and the public.

    It was nearly shut down after being banned from the ongoing Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Music Festival due to its political content. However, a court later reversed the ban, though controversy continues to surround the play and its creators.

    5 Key Facts About Butere Girls’ Play ‘Echoes of War’ That Has Sparked Government Backlash

    Here are five key things to know about the play, which has sparked a national conversation about freedom of expression, youth empowerment, and state censorship.

    1. A Play About Youth, Civil Liberties, and Post-Conflict Governance


    Echoes of War is set in a fictional nation recovering from civil war. It focuses on a generation of young people working to rebuild society, hold leaders accountable, and use digital platforms to promote democracy and justice.

    The play explores themes of governance, technology, and civil liberties, which resonate deeply with Gen Z, a generation increasingly vocal in political matters.

    2. The Government Tried to Ban It, and the Courts Stepped In


    Authorities initially banned Butere from performing the play because of its critical portrayal of the government.

    On April 3, 2025, Justice Wilfrida Okwany of the High Court ruled in favor of free expression and allowed the school to participate in the national drama festival, suspending the ban.

    3. Malala’s Clash with Police


    Despite the court ruling, Malala claims DCI officers arrested him while he was preparing the students for their performance.

    A video shared online shows a tense standoff outside Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru, where Malala confronts police officers blocking him from accessing Butere Girls’ students for rehearsals.

    Later, police teargassed journalists who were covering the situation, forcing them to flee.

    4. Butere Girls’ Play, Malala and History of Defiant Theatre


    This is not Malala’s first time causing controversy in the drama festival. In 2013, he wrote Shackles of Doom, a politically charged play banned by the Ministry of Education but performed after court intervention.

    Malala’s background in theater has made him a provocative figure in Kenya’s arts scene.

    5. A Larger Debate About Art, Politics, and Youth Expression


    The Echoes of War controversy raises questions about the limits of artistic expression in Kenya. Critics argue that efforts to suppress the play show a growing intolerance toward dissent, especially among youth.

    Although the play was reinstated and rehearsals resumed, it remains unclear whether Butere Girls will face further obstruction.

    This year’s festival, meant to celebrate creativity and innovation, has instead turned into a battleground between state power and artistic expression.

    Whether Butere Girls perform at the national stage or not, the impact of their play has already sparked a debate about Kenya’s democratic identity.

  • Butere Girls Drama, Malala Controversy and the Echoes of War Play

    Butere Girls Drama, Malala Controversy and the Echoes of War Play

    Butere Girls Drama’s performance on Thursday was meant to showcase the talents of the students. However, the event turned sour when the students were denied a public address system, and the drama play they had been preparing for weeks was abruptly canceled.

    Instead of performing Echoes of War, the students sang the national anthem and left the stage in frustration.

    Their hopes of competing and sharing their skills were dashed that morning with a series of setbacks that only added to the drama surrounding the performance.

    The entire situation has sparked controversy, especially considering the significance of the play’s theme.

    What Happened to Butere Girls Drama?

    On Thursday morning, Butere Girls Drama students were eager to perform Echoes of War, a play about Kenya’s governance and the protests led by Generation Z in 2024. However, their performance was halted when they were denied access to the public address system, a crucial part of their performance.

    This system had been used during previous National Drama Festivals, but for reasons unknown, it was unavailable for their act.

    Frustrated and disillusioned, the students had no choice but to break down their performance. They sang the national anthem and left the stage.

    Their decision to walk off, with no audience in sight, raised suspicions. The students claimed that they had not seen their directors in weeks and had not practiced for the play in three weeks.

    Controversy Surrounding Echoes of War

    The Echoes of War play had already attracted attention before this incident. The play focuses on the political and social issues in Kenya, making it a powerful commentary on the state of the nation.

    Initially disqualified at the Western Region Drama Festivals under unclear circumstances, the play later returned to the national lineup after a ruling by the High Court.

    The court’s decision allowed Echoes of War to be performed at the festival, but that did not mark the end of the drama.

    The play found itself embroiled in even more controversy just days before the national performance. Cleophas Malala, the scriptwriter and former senator, was barred from accessing the festival venue at Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru.

    Malala claimed that police had blocked his car and were threatening to arrest him. By the evening, tensions escalated further as police used tear gas to disperse journalists covering the standoff outside the school.

    Meanwhile, the festival organizers imposed strict measures. Journalists, media personnel, and the public were blocked from entering the venue.

    The KICD crew, responsible for live streaming the event, was also told to pack up their equipment. There was no filming, photography, or live coverage allowed, leaving the event shrouded in secrecy.

    Wilson Sossion’s Views on Malala’s Involvement

    As the Echoes of War drama unfolded, the controversy surrounding Cleophas Malala deepened.

    Wilson Sossion, the former Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), criticized Malala’s involvement in directing the play. Sossion argued that Malala’s role as a director and scriptwriter violated the Teachers’ Service Commission Act.

    According to the law, only registered teachers are allowed to direct school-based drama performances as part of the official curriculum.

    During a live interview on April 10, 2025, Sossion stated that Malala was overstepping his bounds by participating in the festival.

    He emphasized that the law clearly states that only certified teachers can supervise, train, and direct students for school plays.

    “If Malala is not a registered teacher, even if he has written scripts, he cannot direct plays at the drama festival,” Sossion said.

    Sossion went on to express concern that the situation was being politicized, with people ignoring the legal issues involved.

    He urged the country to focus on enforcing the law rather than allowing political bias to influence the matter.

    In conclusion, the drama surrounding the Echoes of War play has raised questions about the intersection of art, politics, and the law in Kenya.

    The controversies surrounding Butere Girls’ performance, Malala’s involvement, and the restrictions imposed at the festival highlight a complex situation that continues to stir debate.

  • “Ruto Must Go”: Butere Girls Boycott Performance As ‘Echoes of War’ Play Turns into Political Protests

    “Ruto Must Go”: Butere Girls Boycott Performance As ‘Echoes of War’ Play Turns into Political Protests

    The much-anticipated performance of Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School at the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru came to an abrupt and emotional halt on Thursday morning when the students refused to take the stage, transforming a theatrical showcase into a powerful act of defiance.

    At around 8:00 a.m., the girls, some in their school uniforms, lined up before the audience at Kirobon Girls High School. Visibly shaken and teary-eyed, they stood in silence as their lead student stepped forward to deliver a raw, heartfelt speech. “We don’t have an audience,” she said, her voice trembling with frustration. She spoke of weeks without training, sleepless nights, and the absence of their directors—conditions that left them unable to perform. Instead of proceeding with the play, the students sang the national anthem, a poignant message to the government, before fleeing the stage in tears.

    The boycott was the culmination of mounting setbacks for the troupe. Echoes of War, a provocative play exploring Kenya’s governance and the Gen Z-led protests of 2024, had already stirred controversy. Initially disqualified from the Western Region drama festivals under murky circumstances, it was reinstated by a High Court ruling, securing its spot at the nationals. Yet, the challenges persisted. The students were left unsupported—deprived of rehearsal time, resources, and, most critically, their scriptwriter and director, Cleophas Malala.

    A Play Plagued by Controversy

    Malala, a former Kakamega senator and vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration, was barred from entering the festival venue on Wednesday. He claimed police blocked his vehicle and threatened arrest as he attempted to conduct final rehearsals. By late Wednesday evening, tensions escalated further when authorities reportedly arrested him, an action supporters decry as politically motivated. The government insists it was lawful, but the incident fueled outrage among the students and their supporters.

    The girls’ refusal to perform was a direct demand for Malala’s release. “No Malala, no show,” became their unspoken rallying cry, echoing the defiance of the crowds outside who chanted “Ruto Must Go” and “No Butere, No Drama.” The situation spiraled as police lobbed tear gas to disperse journalists and onlookers gathered outside the school, forcing some fleeing students to seek refuge in a nearby institution.

    Media Blackout and Public Backlash

    Adding to the chaos, festival organizers announced on Thursday—day four of the event—that no cameras, including those for live streaming, would be permitted inside the venue. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development’s Edu TV halted all media coverage, a move widely seen as an attempt to suppress the unfolding drama. This came just as Butere Girls’ performance, already delayed from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., was set to begin.

    The clampdown only amplified public criticism. Opposition leaders Gideon Moi and Eugene Wamalwa condemned the incident as “state repression” and an “attack on free expression.” “The girls of Butere are not enemies of the state. They should be celebrated, not punished,” Moi declared. Civil society groups hailed the students’ stand as “a new wave of youth-led resistance,” while pro-government voices dismissed the events as “cheap theatrics.”

    A Stage for Resistance

    What began as a platform for theatrical talent morphed into a fiery political protest. Online, debates raged: some praised the girls for their courage in standing by their mentor, while others accused them of being pawns in a political game. Malala, ousted from his role as Secretary General of the ruling party and now a prominent opposition figure, has long been a lightning rod for controversy.

    Following Butere Girls’ boycott, students from other schools who were scheduled to perform have since staged walkouts in solidarity.