Students from Butere Girls Secondary School faced unexpected turmoil after their performance at the National Drama Festivals held at Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru. The students, who were aboard their school bus, were teargassed by police as they left the venue. This incident occurred amidst public chants of “Ruto Must Go,” following the students’ inability to perform their controversial play, Echoes of War.
The play, which critiques governance and highlights Gen Z-led protests, has been at the center of controversy. Despite a court ruling reinstating the play after its disqualification in regional festivals, the students were denied essential resources like a public address system and an audience. Instead, they sang the national anthem before leaving the stage in tears.
The chaos extended beyond the students, with journalists covering the event also facing police aggression. The scriptwriter of the play, Cleophas Malala, was barred from accessing the venue, further fueling tensions. The incident has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the role of art in addressing societal issues.
