IG of Police gives Internal Affairs Unit 21 days to probe National Drama Festivals misconduct claims

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into claims of misconduct by officers deployed to provide security during the ongoing Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County.

In a statement, the NPS announced that the Inspector General of Police has ordered the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to conduct a full investigation and submit a report within 21 days.

“The Inspector General of Police has instructed the Internal Affairs Unit to immediately investigate the matter and present a report within 21 days,” reads the statement in part.

NPS explained that officers had been stationed at Lions Primary School, where the festival is being held, following intelligence that the event could be disrupted.

“On Thursday, 10 April 2025, we received credible intelligence that some individuals were planning to disrupt the event and as a responsible security organ, we put in place elaborate contingency plans to thwart such acts,” the statement said.

The Service said the deployment was intended to ensure the safety of participants and the smooth running of the festival as part of its legal duty to prevent crime, maintain order, and protect life and property.

However, concerns soon emerged about the behaviour of some officers during the operation.

Although the NPS did not specify the nature of the alleged misconduct, it confirmed that the matter is also being investigated by oversight agencies.

“Further, the matter is under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and other independent bodies,” the statement added.

The NPS has promised full accountability if any officers are found to have acted outside the law.

“National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest fidelity to the Constitution, operational independence, impartiality, and political neutrality in its role of maintaining law and order,” it said.

Tense situation

The situation at the drama festival venue was already tense. Security was visibly tight, and access to the event was restricted. On Thursday morning, journalists and members of the public were barred from entering Kirobon Girls, one of the festival’s venues where activities were still underway.

The most dramatic moment came when Butere Girls High School, one of the most anticipated performers, chose not to stage their play titled Echoes of War. The performance had been scheduled for 6:15 am but was later pushed to 7.30 am.

Echoes of War focuses on issues such as technology, governance, and social justice and explores how the youth can shape a country recovering from unrest through digital spaces.

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At around 8 am, the visibly emotional students stepped onto the stage at the Nakuru venue. The lead actress addressed the audience with a moving explanation of why they could not perform. "We don’t have an audience," she said.

The students revealed that they had not trained for weeks, had no contact with their directors, and were exhausted. They sang the national anthem as their only way of communicating their message before leaving the stage in tears.

On the same morning, organizers announced that no cameras or livestreaming would be allowed. This restriction, introduced on the fourth day of the event, led to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development’s Edu TV halting all media coverage.

The clampdown came just before Butere Girls’ performance and added to rising frustration over how the festival was being managed.

There were also reports that participating students had been denied access to essential items such as costumes, soundtracks, and a properly set stage. In addition, anti-riot police had sealed off the venue, barring entry to both the media and the public.

Students from Butere Girls are said to have walked onto the stage, sung the national anthem, and walked off.

Former Kakamega Senator and ex-UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who had been arrested earlier at a rehearsal venue, was later released without being charged. He shared details of his arrest, claiming he was detained in harsh conditions.

“I was arrested and placed in a Subaru, then taken to a forest by the DCI and later to Eldama Ravine, where I was held without water, food, or access to my lawyer. I was released a few minutes ago without any charges,” Malala said.

The incident has sparked public outcry and drawn attention to how national events involving students are managed and policed.