KHRC takes legal action over 'Echoes of War' controversy at Drama Festival
The petition, filed on Friday, calls for an order to compel the Ministry of Education, the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Secretariat, and other state bodies to permit the students to perform the play as originally intended, using their chosen props, décor, and full creative support.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has filed a petition at the High Court to ensure Butere Girls' High School is allowed to present their controversial play, Echoes of War, at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals.
The petition, filed on Friday, calls for an order to compel the Ministry of Education, the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Secretariat, and other state bodies to permit the students to perform the play as originally intended, using their chosen props, décor, and full creative support.
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The KHRC argues that the government's decision to ban the play violates the rights of the students to express themselves freely and engage in cultural life.
"The censorship and banning of the play deprives the students of their basic right to artistic expression," the petition states, calling the government's actions unconstitutional.
In addition to challenging the play's censorship, KHRC seeks a report from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding allegations of police misconduct.
The petition describes incidents on April 9 and 10, 2025, when police officers allegedly interrupted rehearsals, detained members of the drama team, and subjected the students and staff of Butere Girls' High School to harassment.
According to the petition, these actions were part of a broader effort to suppress free artistic expression.
The petition also calls on IPOA to provide a detailed report of any internal investigations or actions taken against the officers involved in the alleged incidents.
"The police actions were unjustified, discriminatory, and have already caused harm to the students, who are minors," the petition states.
KHRC has requested that the court issue an urgent order to allow the students to perform their play by Sunday, April 13, 2025. If the students are not allowed to participate, the commission seeks an alternative remedy, asking the court to suspend the ongoing festival until the petition is heard.
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