Written by Alice Njoki
In Nakuru ,Thursday April 10, 2025 , A disturbing violation of children’s rights just happened today morning at Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru during the 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals, as police escorted students from Butere Girls High School out of the venue after they refused to perform their controversial play , Echoes of War . The play, which boldly addressed issues of corruption, bad governance, abductions, and youth-led protests , had been cleared by a court order following an earlier effort to block it from being performed . The government’s fear of the play’s content and the truths it exposed led to a heavy police presence, harassment, and emotional intimidation of the students.
The incident began when police opened the gates of Melvin Jones Academy escorting the students out after the student refused to perform due to the challenges they faced ,they were denied costumes, poor lighting and stage decoration and Cleophas Malala who was barred from attending rehearsals and performance which lead to the disruption of their play , even as they tried to stand their ground. Outside the venue, a supportive crowd had gathered, but was forcefully dispersed by the police, and in the chaos, a girl fainted and was carried away by unknown individuals.
Inside, the students were denied basic performance necessities ,no costumes, poor stage lighting, no microphones or decors deliberately set up to frustrate and silence them. They were told to perform in these humiliating conditions, but instead, they sang the national anthem and walked off the stage in tears. They later said they had been harassed and teargas by the police , and it was the fear, panic, and intimidation that truly prevented them from performing, they run out demanding for malala
Even worse, former Senator Cleophas Malala, the scriptwriter who was supposed to direct them, was arrested the night before, denying the students guidance at a critical moment. Police even tear-gassed journalists covering the event, injuring several and denying media access. Meanwhile, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, who came to support the students, was locked out of the venue by security officers.
The tension did not end there. The Butere Girls’ bus driver was forced by armed police to drive away, even before all the students had boarded the vehicle. Some girls were left behind, confused and frightened. Earlier in the day, children could be seen running around the court, saying they felt discriminated against by the police.
When did the government become afraid of its own children? These students were simply using drama to tell their truth to express their reality as Gen Z youth growing up in a difficult Kenya. Echoes of War told stories of corruption, abductions, injustice, and poor leadership real issues affecting young people today. And for that, they were silenced.
Amnesty International Kenya condemned the events as a gross violation of the children’s rights to freedom of expression, creativity, thought, and talent development. The organization emphasized that children must be allowed to speak, perform, and participate in cultural life without fear.
This shameful crackdown has sparked national outrage, as Kenyans across the country call for accountability and justice. These children stood courageously with their truth, only to be met with repression. Their voices were silenced, but their message has now grown louder: Art is not a crime, and children are not threats.