Echoes of War
At Butere Girls High School in Kakamega County, a drama titled Echoes of War was set to critique governance and youth activism. But as the performance day arrived, tensions flared. The students, frustrated by missing decorations, costumes, and a soundtrack, refused to take the stage. They argued that without these key elements, the play couldn’t properly convey its message.

The controversy deepened when the former UDA Secretary-General, Cleophas Malala, was confronted by police officers over the play’s political undertones. Meanwhile, Ministry of Education officials arrived, giving the students a 15-minute ultimatum to begin the performance. With the lights switched off at the main stage, the students stood firm, unwilling to proceed under the pressure.
The play, Echoes of War, was more than just a performance—it became a symbol of youth activism and a critique of the country’s governance. The dramatic events at Butere Girls sparked a wider conversation about the role of art in challenging political systems.