KENYA: Court Allows Butere Girls To Perform “Echoes of War” Despite Initial Ban

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

A Kenyan court has ruled in favor of Butere Girls High School, allowing them to perform their play, Echoes of War, at the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru.

Dennis Itumbi, Head of Special Projects from the Office of the President, confirmed that the play would be staged despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

He expressed support for the students, acknowledging the dedication required to reach the national stage.

The play, written by Cleophas Malala, had initially faced restrictions over its themes, which reportedly criticised the government.

Authorities halted rehearsals, with police allegedly preventing Malala from working with students at a Nakuru-based school hosting the festival.

However, on April 3, Justice Wilfrida Okwany lifted the ban, ensuring the school’s participation.

Echoes of War explores modern societal issues such as governance, technology, and civil liberties, focusing on a nation recovering from conflict.

The story highlights young people’s role in shaping political discourse and the influence of digital platforms in governance.

Despite the legal victory, tensions surrounding the play have continued, with reports of confrontations between security officials and those involved in the production.