Butere Girls High School in Kakamega County’s ‘Echoes of War’ has been axed from the gala of Western Regional winners.
The drama festival will proceed without the performance, leaving participants and stakeholders questioning the decision.
Although no official explanation has been provided for the decision, the drama club has been instructed to dismiss its members by Monday, effectively ending preparations for the National Drama Festival in Nakuru next week.
The removal of Echoes of War mirrors the 2019 controversy surrounding Shackles of Doom, a play written by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malalah.
At the time, Ministry of Education officials prohibited its staging at the national level. However, activist and current Busia senator Okiya Omtatah successfully challenged the ban in the High Court.
Justice David Majanja ruled in favour of the play’s performance at the national festival in Mombasa, citing constitutional rights to freedom of expression.
READ ALSO:
More women opt for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery
Written by Malalah, Echoes of War explores contemporary topics, including technology, politics, and social justice, that Gen Z finds especially relevant.
Set in the imaginary Royal Velvet Emirates, the play envisions a post-civil war nation where young people lead efforts to rebuild society.
Confronting the effects of technology, they support better healthcare, education, and justice.
The protagonist, Mustafa, a fourth-year IT student, develops Telemedicine, a revolutionary software that links patients with doctors worldwide.
His innovation attracts the sultan’s attention, but scrutiny arises when his past social media posts—controversial messages tied to the war—are uncovered.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
