Echoes of War” Under Attack: How Butere Girls Defied the Government | Full Breakdown - BNN

Butere Girls High School and their powerful play Echoes of War have been making headlines across Kenya. The play, which boldly addresses the controversial June 25th protests, has faced intense opposition from state officials, with increasing efforts to sabotage its performance at the 63rd Annual Drama Festivals in Nakuru.

Former senator Cleophas Malala, who has been closely involved in coaching the Butere Girls cast of Echoes of War, was dramatically arrested yesterday despite possessing a court order allowing him to train the students. Early this morning, Malala was again blocked from accessing the festival venue, preventing him from preparing the students ahead of their much-anticipated performance.

In a shocking turn of events, Butere Girls were allegedly detained and stopped from rehearsing Echoes of War. Journalists covering these incidents were tear-gassed by police, escalating public outrage. When members of the public and the media attempted to attend the play at the drama festival, they were denied entry.

Previously, Echoes of War was controversially dropped from the drama festival lineup after the First Lady reportedly demanded the school send the drama team home. However, the High Court later reinstated the play, affirming the students' right to perform.

Public curiosity around Echoes of War and the Butere Girls' drama team is now at an all-time high. Kenyans across the country are calling for the full, uncensored performance to be aired — especially after witnessing what many are calling state-led censorship and intimidation.

This unfolding story around Butere Girls and Echoes of War is more than just a school play — it’s a reflection of freedom of expression, youth activism, and a growing hunger for truth in Kenya.