Malala speaks out from police custody after arrest following drama festival standoff
Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala has expressed his frustration over being held in police custody without clear communication from authorities, following his arrest on Wednesday night in Nakuru County.
Speaking during a phone interview on Spice FM, Malala said he had been detained at Eldama Ravine Police Station since around 11 pm on Wednesday and had not received any explanation regarding the reason for his arrest.
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“They have told me nothing. I have been behind bars since yesterday around 11 pm; nobody is talking to me. I am just in the police cells waiting for the next course of action, and I’m shocked that no government official has talked to me since yesterday. I am at Eldama Ravine Police station,” he said on Thursday.
The arrest came after a standoff between Malala and the police at Kirobon Girls High School in Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru, where schools were preparing for performances in the ongoing Kenya Schools and Colleges National Drama and Film Festival.
Malala had arrived at the venue to oversee the rehearsal of Echoes of War, a production by Butere Girls High School, which he wrote and directed.
However, officers reportedly blocked his access, and the confrontation led to the use of tear gas to disperse a crowd that had started to form at the scene.
He criticised how the situation was handled, calling the events of the night disturbing and unfair.
“Last night was quite an ugly night for Kenya. We are very disappointed in the manner in which government is handling this matter,” Malala said.
The controversial play had earlier been banned by education officials over claims that it carried themes perceived to be critical of the government.
However, High Court Judge Wilfrida Okwany suspended the ban on April 3, allowing the school to continue participating in the festival.
Echoes of War is a Gen Z-centred play that reflects on issues such as governance, social justice, digital activism and the resilience of young people in the face of societal challenges.
Set in a post-conflict society, it tells the story of youth taking a leading role in national rebuilding efforts and highlights their use of digital platforms in pushing for change.
Malala, who played a key role in developing the play, shared his disappointment over the impact the incident has had on the students.
“I empathise with the young talents of Butere Girls who have given themselves to nurture talents and expose evil deeds of this country through arts,” he said.
“Drama festival has been there for a very long time and we have a variety of things being exposed at the National Drama Festival and it is unfortunate for the officials and administration to victimise young souls who are just out to expose what they think is the rot in society. I want to urge everybody who is in charge of the drama festival to sober up; this is just a play, and it has nothing to do with incitement or name calling,” Mala said.
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