The son of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has sent a strongly worded statement to President William Ruto’s government following the arrest of his father.
Malala was arrested on the night of Wednesday, April 5, over his involvement in the controversial play Echoes of War, which was scheduled to be performed by Butere Girls High School students at this year’s Kenya National Drama and Film Festival on Thursday.
The former senator, who also previously served as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General, had earlier been blocked by police when he attempted to visit the Butere Girls students.
The students were at Kirobon Girls High School in Nakuru’s Rongai sub-county ahead of the performance.
Leone Malala Speaks Out
In a video seen by The Kenya Times, Malala’s son, Leone, criticized President Ruto’s administration over his father’s arrest, delivering a passionate message directed at the Head of State.
“Today I stand here with frustration, agony, and bitterness. My father, Cleophas Wakhungu Malala—a writer, a patriot, and a leader in this country—has been arrested just for writing a play titled Echoes of War, a play that reflects the challenges we, the Gen Z and youth of this country, are facing,” Leone said.
“With all due respect, Mr. President, I ask: where did the freedom of expression in this country go? I would like to remind you that the youth of this country are watching, we see what you are doing, and history will not forget. Please, do not frustrate my dad. I ask you—please release my father.”
Also Read: Butere Girls High School Fees, KCSE Performance and Contacts
Butere Girls’ students boycott performance
The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival is currently being held at Melvin Jones International School and Menengai High School in Nakuru County.
Butere Girls High School had initially been banned from performing their Gen Z-themed play Echoes of War, on grounds that it critiqued the government.
However, on April 3, the High Court of Kenya lifted the ban after Justice Wilfrida Okwany suspended any letter barring the school from participating in the festival.
Despite the court’s directive, tensions ran high on Thursday morning following the arrest of former Senator Cleophas Malala, who is the play’s director.
Police officers barred journalists, students, and members of the public from entering Melvin Jones Hall shortly before Butere Girls’ scheduled performance.
Also Read: Cleophas Malala Arrested
The students took to the stage at around 8 a.m. but ultimately declined to perform the controversial play.
Instead, they stood in formation, sang the national anthem, and exited the stage in tears.
According to reports, the students were denied access to the public address system typically used during the National Drama Festival. Speaking to the media, several students claimed they were harassed by police officers and forced to go on stage without their costumes or essential equipment.
“We want our director. Bring us our director. We won’t perform without him. It is our right to perform,” some of the students declared.
“We were harassed by the police and went to the stage with nothing. We sang the national anthem and refused to perform.”
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