The government has been urged to protect learning institutions from political interference following controversy over a play by Butere Girls High School that was scheduled for presentation at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.
Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC Kenya) Executive Director Mohamed Sheikh condemned the incident, noting that schools should remain neutral spaces for learning and creativity.
Sheikh described the alleged political involvement as unacceptable, warning that turning schools into platforms for political interests could negatively impact students’ growth and development.
“AFOSC-Kenya strongly condemns political involvement in school drama festivals, as witnessed in Nakuru where a play by Butere Girls was at the centre of controversy,” he said.
“It is unacceptable that schools are being turned into political platforms by selfish interests, undermining the purpose of these events and exposing learners to undue influence. Such practices must not be allowed to take root,” he added.
Sheikh called on the government to take decisive action against those behind the incident, insisting that educational spaces must remain safe, neutral, and centred on the holistic development of learners.
However, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos on Thursday denied claims that Butere Girls was barred from performing at the festival.
According to the CS, the students opted not to take the stage after learning that former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who authored the play ‘Echoes of War’, had not been cleared to direct the performance and was barred from the venue.
“The government did not stop Butere Girls from performing. The students were allowed to perform at 8 o’clock. After the national anthem, one of them stepped forward and said they were not willing to perform without their director, Mr Malala,” said Ogamba.
“Malala is not their teacher, and he is not a director at Butere Girls, nor is he a director of that play. The students, of their own volition, decided not to participate,” he added.
The CS explained that the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Rules and Regulations prohibit non-teachers from directing school drama performances.
“It is clear that Cleophas Malala shouldn’t have been allowed to direct the play, a role that should have been left to the teachers as per the rules and regulations,” said Ogamba.
Prudence Wanza
