Gov’t Did Not Block Butere Girls from Performing ‘Echoes of War’, Says CS Ogamba
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has refuted claims that the government prevented Butere Girls High School from staging the controversial play Echoes of War during the ongoing Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru.
The play, which has sparked national debate due to its perceived critique of government oppression and youth activism, was scheduled for performance at Kirobon Girls High School in Rongai Subcounty.
In a statement issued Thursday evening, CS Ogamba clarified that the government had not interfered with the performance, stating that students declined to go on stage in protest over the absence of their play director, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
“The government did not stop Butere Girls from performing. They were scheduled to perform at 8 a.m. and came on stage after the National Anthem. However, one of the students said they would not perform without their director, Mr. Malala,” Ogamba said.
The CS criticized the school’s administration for violating Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regulations by involving a non-teacher in co-curricular activities. “Inviting non-teachers to train students in schools is in contravention of TSC regulations,” he stated. “We cannot allow people to weaponise schoolchildren against authority. Political wars should be fought by politicians outside learning environments.”
Ogamba further explained that the script had been flagged by adjudicators at various competition levels. While the play initially met the required standards, it was significantly altered before reaching the national stage, prompting concerns from the school’s board of management.
“The school felt the script had been significantly modified and sought to withdraw it from the national festival,” Ogamba said, adding that it was not formally submitted to the Executive Secretary as required, hence it was not scheduled for performance.
Students were initially released for the April holidays, but a court order later mandated that the play be performed. However, Malala was barred from accessing the school premises on April 9, as he is not an accredited teacher or school staff.
“Mr. Malala should not have directed the play. That responsibility belongs to qualified teachers as stipulated by our regulations,” the CS emphasized.
Ogamba reiterated the Ministry’s support for creative expression and talent development but warned school administrators to adhere strictly to rules governing co-curricular activities
In other news: Echoes of War: The Controversial Play Shaping Kenya’s National Drama Conversation
Gov’t Did Not Block Butere Girls from Performing ‘Echoes of War’, Says CS Ogamba