Butere MP Tindi Mwale demands accountability over police interference at drama festivals

Butere Member of Parliament Tindi Mwale is demanding accountability from the Ministry of Interior following police interferene at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.

In a statement on Thursday, Mwale demanded a comprehensive report from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security regarding the disruption of the Butere Girls High School drama performance by police officers.

Mwale is also seeking clarification on the reasons behind the deployment of anti-riot police and the excessive use of force during the event, as well as the steps the Ministry will take to prevent such violations from recurring.

“It is both shocking and unacceptable that police would be deployed to intimidate students who are simply exercising their constitutional right through artistic expression,” Mwale said in a statement.

“These girls have done nothing wrong. They have done what we encourage all young people to do — express themselves, engage with national issues, and participate in the creative arts.”

The disruption occurred on Thursday morning as Butere Girls High School's students were preparing to perform their play, Echoes of War, in Nakuru. Just hours before the performance, riot police reportedly stormed the venue, used tear gas to disperse the students, and blocked access for journalists and the public.

Mwale also raised concerns over the arrest of the play’s director, Cleophas Malala, on Wednesday evening under what he described as “unclear and suspicious circumstances.” He stated that the arrest, which took place the night before the scheduled performance, disrupted final preparations and cast doubt on the motivations behind its timing.

“Instead of celebrating the talent and courage of our young people, we are sending riot police to silence them. That should disturb every Kenyan who believes in freedom and democracy.”

The play, Echoes of War, had successfully progressed through sub-county, county, and regional levels before qualifying for the national stage. Initially banned for reasons that were never made public, the play was later reinstated by the High Court — a ruling Mwale described as a "clear affirmation of the students’ constitutional rights."

However, despite the legal victory, students and teachers were met with a heavy police presence at the Nakuru venue. Eyewitnesses reported that police forcibly removed students, teachers, and spectators from the venue.

“We were in costume, ready backstage, just waiting for our cue. Then, out of nowhere, officers came in and told us to leave. Next thing, people were coughing, crying, and running. We didn’t even understand what was happening,” one student actor recalled, visibly shaken.

Teachers accompanying the students described the experience as traumatic. One drama patron said, “This is the culmination of months of hard work. To be treated like a security threat for staging a play is beyond comprehension.”

Mwale reiterated his call for accountability from the Ministry, demanding an explanation as to why police were deployed to an academic and artistic event and justification for the excessive force used to disperse the students.

“We want answers. Why was riot police deployed to an academic festival? Who authorised the disruption? And what steps are being taken to ensure this never happens again?” he asked.

Citing Article 33 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, Mwale emphasised that children should never be punished for expressing themselves — especially through art.

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“No one, especially children, should ever be punished for telling stories, particularly those that reflect our national realities,” he stated.

“Do not be discouraged. Your voices are powerful, your work is important, and what you’ve done has already made an impact. You have not failed; the system failed you. And we will not rest until justice is served,” Mwale told the students.