A cloud of frustration and heartbreak loomed over Nakuru on Thursday morning as Butere Girls High School students walked away from the National Drama Festivals without performing their much-anticipated play, Echoes of War.
The group of students, dressed in full costume and visibly prepared, had arrived early and were scheduled to perform at around 8:00 am. But things took a painful turn when they were denied access to a public address system, which is critical for any stage performance.
The same equipment had been used by other schools during the festival, but somehow, when it was Butere’s turn, the sound system was not available.
With no way to project their voices or present their play properly, the girls stood on stage in silence. Instead of performing their message-filled drama, they sang the National Anthem with tears in their eyes before leaving the stage.
As their school bus left Melvin Jones Hall, emotions ran high. Onlookers and supporters who had hoped to watch the play broke into chants of “Ruto Must Go!” expressing their anger and frustrations.
For many, this was more than just a technical issue it felt like a deliberate attempt to silence the voices of young people.
Their play, Echoes of War, was seen as bold and honest, touching on issues that affect the country including governance and the role of Gen Z in last year’s protests. The students’ voices, through their art, were bringing attention to problems many people don’t want to talk about.
And now, they had been silenced in what felt like a targeted move.The situation became even more worrying when the students revealed they hadn’t seen their directors for weeks and hadn’t practiced in almost a month.
There were also claims that they were made to perform in an empty hall, with no audience allowed in. Critics believe this was all part of a bigger plan to frustrate their efforts and keep the powerful message of the play from reaching the public.
This same play had already faced problems earlier in the year. It was disqualified at the Western Region Drama Festivals for unclear reasons. However, a High Court later ruled that it must be allowed at the national level.
Despite that court victory, it now appears that the students were still blocked in a more quiet but equally painful way.
Many civil society groups and artists have come out strongly against the events in Nakuru, saying it is a direct attack on freedom of expression.
A drama teacher from a nearby school who witnessed the incident said, “The students came ready to perform and share their truth, instead, they were silenced. It’s heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
As of now, the Ministry of Education and those organizing the festival have not said anything official. But what happened in Nakuru has left a lasting scar, not just on the students of Butere Girls, but on anyone who believes in art, truth, and the voices of young people.
The chants outside Melvin Jones Hall may have faded, but the message remains clear. Kenya’s youth are watching, and they will not forget.
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