Former Secretary General UDA Party Cleophas Malala has called out President William Ruto over what he termed is him(Ruto) trying to interfere with Butere Girls’ Students play ‘Echoes of War’.
The play was scheduled to be performed on Thursday April 10 at the ongoing national drama and Films Festivals competition at Lions Primary School in Nakuru.
However, this did not take place following awkward conditions that the girls were subjected to among them performing in an empty hall and without decors and costumes, under heavy security deployed at the school.
In addition, Malala who is behind the play’s script was also arrested on Wednesday evening, taken to Nakuru Central, ferried to Eldama-Ravine police station, only to be released on Thursday at around mid-day.
Addressing journalists in Nakuru in company of DAP-Kenya Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, his Lawyer Ken Echesa, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and activists Masese Kemunche and Eng Kimori Evans, Malala called out President William Ruto for failing to respect the rights of school children.
This, he said was witnessed by the way Butere Girls’ Students were treated with teargas and armed police officers.
He pointed out that this was intimidation fur to the theme of the play ‘Echoes of War’ that was to be performed by the girls.
Malala who once served as UDA Party Secretary General also took an issue with government for subjecting the Butere Girls students to such unnecessary drama leaving them traumatized.
He at the same time stated that the play is part of art just like setbooks that speak and call out ills in society, adding that no one should feel targeted.
According to Malala, the play was meant to help even the government in addressing some challenges and ensure accountability, adding that no leader should condemn the students or feel guilty as art only communicates what is ailing society.
While noting that the play should be given chance, Malala who has been in art industry for many years ordered his team of lawyers to move to court and ensure the play gets chance to perform.
This, he said is for the good of the students who had practiced and rehearsed the play.
According to him, denying the girls chance to showcase the play is demoralizing them.
Malala however was categorical that the Thursday incident should not deter other items from proceeding, adding that they will seek court orders to see to it that justice is served.
Sentiments echoed by DAP-Kenya Party leader Eugene Wamalwa who pointed out that the play should not be seen as enemy of government but a play that helps shape Governance in the country.
Wamalwa called out Kenya Kwanza Government for trying to return the country to the dark days when no one would use art to shape Governance issues.
The DAP-Kenya leader who is also a lawyer by profession was categorical that the government has violated the students’ rights of expression adding that they will move to challenge in court.
Wamalwa, at the same time revealed that with other legal minds, they will head to both local and international courts to ensure justice for Butere Girls’ Students.