Gideon Moi: State’s attempt to ban Butere Girls play is suppressing freedom of expression
The play titled Echoes of War, written by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, has caused considerable controversy, with government authorities attempting to stop its performance despite a court ruling lifting an earlier ban on it.
The Kenya African National Union (Kanu) has criticised the government’s recent efforts to halt Butere Girls High School’s participation in the 2025 National Drama and Film Festivals.
In a press statement, Kanu’s National Chairman Gideon Moi condemned the government’s actions, claiming they were part of a larger trend of suppressing freedom of expression in Kenya.
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The play titled Echoes of War, written by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, has caused considerable controversy, with government authorities attempting to stop its performance despite a court ruling lifting an earlier ban on it.
The play addresses significant issues like governance, social justice, and youth empowerment in the face of political instability.
Initially banned from advancing to the national festivals, the production saw a major legal victory when the High Court intervened on April 3, 2025.
Justice Wilfrida Okwany’s ruling temporarily suspended the government’s ban, allowing Butere Girls School to take part in the festival. Despite this ruling, Malala was arrested by police in Rongai, Nakuru County, while overseeing the students’ preparations.
Malala, visibly frustrated, questioned the legality of his detention, arguing that he was following the court's decision.
“The High Court has allowed me to direct the play. They are performing tomorrow morning (Thursday). Why are you arresting me?” he asked, highlighting the government's defiance of the judicial order.
Kanu’s statement called attention to the irony of the situation, noting that the government was stifling peaceful artistic expression while simultaneously turning a blind eye to violence from groups with state backing.
“It is ironic that peaceful expression is criminalised while violence by elements allied to the state is either ignored or covertly encouraged,” Moi said.
Echoes of War has garnered attention for its timely and bold commentary on Kenya’s socio-political landscape, tackling themes of governmental failure, political corruption, and the struggles of youth in post-war recovery.
Malala, who has a history of challenging political interference in his work, remains resolute in his commitment to free expression.
"I cannot be intimidated; I will write what I want, I will think the way I want, nobody can censor me," he declared, reaffirming his stance against political pressures.
This is not the first time Malala has faced opposition to his artistic endeavours. In 2013, his play, Shackles of Doom, was similarly banned, only to be reinstated after a legal battle.
Moi noted that these repeated incidents highlight a disturbing trend of government censorship and interference in the arts, signalling a disconnect between the administration and the realities facing the Kenyan public.
"This troubling trend signals a government that has lost touch with its people and is dangerously veering off course," he said.
Moi also urged the government to focus on more pressing issues, such as the rising economic difficulties and increasing public discontent.
He pointed out the importance of policy reforms in key sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture, to address the needs of the Kenyan people.
“The young girls of Butere are not enemies of the state but the daughters of this nation. Rather than be punished for speaking the truth through art, they should be celebrated,” Moi said, calling for the government to support youth and creative expression rather than censor it.
The National Drama and Film Festival, which runs from April 7 to 15, has faced increased scrutiny following the controversy surrounding Echoes of War. Despite these challenges, the students of Butere Girls were set to perform their play as earlier scheduled.
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