As public discourse continues over the controversial "Echoes of war" play, a fresh video has emerged.
In the video published online, a large group of youths is seen escorting the Butere Girls High School bus while chanting slogans including "Ruto must go!" and "No Butere, no drama!" A police vehicle trails the bus closely.
The group is captured moving from Melvin Jones Academy-where the play was scheduled to be performed-towards Oginga Odinga Road in Nakuru.
Earlier in the day, students from Butere Girls staged a walkout just minutes after arriving at the venue for the 63rd National Drama and Film Festival.
Reports indicate the girls alighted from the bus singing the national anthem in tears, observed a minute of silence, and then walked off the stage.
BREAKING: Chants of 'No Butere, No Drama..Ruto Must Go' as Butere Girls students exit after declining to perform the Echoes of War play. #ButereGirls pic.twitter.com/EH7oNjat4v - The African Voice (@AfricanBreaking) April 10, 2025
The school had previously been barred from performing the play, but the High Court later ruled in favour of the school and the scriptwriter, allowing the performance to proceed.
Festival officials allegedly demanded that the students perform without an audience, costumes, soundtracks, or proper stage setup-conditions which the students declined to accept.
Last night, anti-riot police armed with batons and teargas canisters sealed off the area, barring both media and members of the public.
Meanwhile, the play's scriptwriter, Cleophas Malala-former Kakamega Senator and current UDA Secretary-is being held at the Eldama Ravine Police Station.
Speaking to The Standard, Malala said: "As I continue being held incommunicado at the Eldama Ravine Police Station, the drama team performing my play Echoes of War is being forced to proceed without costumes, soundtracks, or a proper stage set."
He described the situation as a blow to artistic freedom, stressing that the controversy is not just about a play, but an assault on the creative spirit.
A teacher from the school also reported that the group's three trainers were denied entry to the venue and faced harassment from festival officials.
Echoes of War, which was banned following a directive from State House, has sparked national controversy due to its content, which is perceived as critical of the current administration.
