KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi has criticized President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government for the use of security agencies against civilians.
In a statement on Thursday, April 10, Moi said the incident witnessed when security agencies attempted to obstruct the staging of “Echoes of War” by Butere Girls High School today at the 2025 National Drama and Film Festival was another disturbing display of state repression
Moi said the Play was stopped through violent intimidation of the playwright and former Senator Cleophas Malala.
“A pure form of artistic expression, the play is a bold and thoughtful satire on the collapse of social services, entrenched patronage politics, and broken promises, reflecting the lived frustrations of our young people,” Moi said.
He pointed out that the play was banned from proceeding to the national levels, and it took judicial intervention to ensure its performance.
Moi said the act of censorship evokes the 2013 ban of ‘Shackles of Doom,’ also staged by the same institution and scripted by Malala.
He explained that the incident is not isolated but a growing pattern of silencing dissent through extrajudicial means.
Gachagua Church Attack
Moi referred to the incident at the PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani Constituency, where goons tried to storm the church and unleash hooliganism where former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance.
“It is ironic that peaceful expression is criminalized while violence by elements allied to the state is either ignored or covertly encouraged,” he said.
He said Kenya prides itself on a robust Bill of Rights that guarantees freedom of expression.
Moi accused the government of deploying security agencies to suppress a high school play while turning a blind eye to lawlessness by armed gangs occupying public spaces.
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Kenya Kwanza Has Lost Popularity
Additionally, Moi said Ruto, and his administration have lost popularity, adding that intimidations will not solve the problems Kenya is facing.
“This troubling trend signals a government that has lost touch with its people and is dangerously veering off course. The impact of rising economic hardships and growing public dissatisfaction cannot be resolved through intimidation and fear,” he said.
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Gideon Moi Advises Ruto & Govt
He asked President Ruto to undertake an honest self-assessment and realign government priorities with its core mandate.
Moi said Ruto should shift and consolidate the government’s focus toward impactful policy interventions in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
He advised the government to support the private sector to ensure that economic growth and creation of job opportunities for the youth.
“Providing a conducive environment for private sector-led economic development and creating wealth through industrialization will ultimately unlock youth employment, enhance livelihoods and ensure peace and stability,” he said.
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