KANU Chairman Gideon Moi has publicly condemned alleged government efforts to block Butere Girls High School from staging the controversial play Echoes of War and the reported intimidation of its scriptwriter identified as Malala.
The condemnation follows days of escalating tensions over the drama which has drawn accusations of state censorship and suppression of artistic freedom.
Moi a prominent political figure and son of Kenya’s former President Daniel arap Moi criticized the move as an assault on Kenya’s creative expression and democratic values.
He demanded transparency from authorities stating, “Targeting students and silencing writers undermines the spirit of our Constitution and the legacy of our National Drama Festival.”
His remarks come days after former CS Eugene Wamalwa accused the government of deliberately preventing audiences from watching the play citing Cleophas Malala’s unexplained transfer to Eldama Ravine.
The latest controversy centers on Butere Girls High School a frequent participant in drama festivals which was reportedly barred from performing Echoes of War under unclear circumstances.
Additionally the play’s scriptwriter Malala unrelated to politician Cleophas Malala has allegedly faced intimidation though details remain sparse.
The play’s content speculated to critique socio political issues has not been officially disclosed fueling theories about its sensitive subject matter.
The National Drama Festival a decades old platform for youth creativity has historically showcased works addressing governance,history and identity.
The suppression of Echoes of War has reignited debates about shrinking civic freedoms in Kenya with activists and opposition leaders accusing the state of weaponizing institutions to stifle dissent.
No government agency has yet responded to Moi’s allegations or clarified the play’s alleged violations.
Meanwhile educators and artists have rallied behind Butere Girls urging the festival’s organizers to uphold artistic integrity.
“Students’ voices matter. Silencing them sets a dangerous precedent,” said a drama teacher affiliated with the event.
As pressure mounts the saga underscores deepening concerns over Kenya’s commitment to free speech.
With political heavyweights like Moi and Wamalwa now vocalizing opposition the government faces growing calls to address the claims transparently or risk further eroding public trust.
By Kenyans