Tension gripped the Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru as police officers barred journalists, students, and members of the public from accessing the venue ahead of a highly anticipated performance by Butere Girls High School.
The school is set to stage Echoes of War, a play that has sparked nationwide interest due to its bold themes and perceived political undertones.
Security was visibly heightened around the venue, with uniformed and plainclothes officers stationed at entry points, questioning those who attempted to gain entry. According to eyewitnesses, even those with press credentials were turned away, prompting an outcry from media professionals and civil society groups who accused authorities of censorship.
Butere Girls’ performance, scheduled as part of the ongoing Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, had been one of the most anticipated events of the festival. Echoes of War is said to explore the impact of state violence, generational trauma, and the cost of silence in the face of injustice.
Early previews of the script, which circulated online, drew comparisons to recent anti-government protests and crackdowns, stirring speculation that the play may have been inspired by real events.
Speaking anonymously, a teacher affiliated with the school confirmed that the students were ready to perform but lamented the heavy police presence, calling it “a sad day for artistic expression in Kenya.”
“We teach these students to speak truth to power through art. Now the same system that champions creativity is blocking them from the stage. It is disheartening,” the teacher said.
The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Secretariat has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment when reached by reporters. Activists and education stakeholders have demanded answers from both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior, arguing that such actions threaten the integrity of the country’s cultural platforms.
Parents and students who had traveled from Butere to witness the performance expressed frustration and disappointment. “These girls worked so hard. Now their voices are being silenced,” said one parent.
The incident has sparked a renewed debate about freedom of expression, especially in school settings where drama and creative arts often serve as powerful tools for social commentary.
As the dust settles, questions remain about who gave the order to block access and what it means for the future of student performances in Kenya.
