Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has lashed out at the government over its involvement in the bungling of Butere Girls' performance at the 63rd National Drama and Film Festival.
In a post on his official X account, Omtatah demanded that the school be allowed to freely express.
"The executive must understand that our Constitution guarantees freedom of thought and expression and is not guaranteed by permission. This isn't a matter of opinion, it's the law. The classroom is not a cage. Our stages must remain free," he said.
He also recalled a similar case in 2013 when he filed a petition to allow the performance of the controversial play Shackles of Doom, written by Cleophas Malala, to be staged by Butere Girls in its original form.
In that petition, Omtatah sought court orders against the then Education Principal Secretary, accusing the ministry of "gagging freedom of expression and frustrating the artistic talents being nurtured in academic institutions." The ban was later overturned by the court.
Omtatah, a familiar figure in the corridors of justice, is known for successfully championing numerous national issues. On this one, he has vowed not to back down.
"We will not stand by while those in power attempt to stifle creativity, expression, and the right to challenge the status quo. Let them speak, create, and inspire without fear of retribution! Haki yao, sauti yao!" he added.
Omtatah now joins a growing list of leaders condemning the recent events surrounding the Echoes of War play.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also hit out at Ruto's administration for meddling in the festival, saying, "The satirical play - Echoes of War - that strongly captures the lying culture of this administration, is innocent in itself in the literary universe, just to explain to those who feel threatened."
"In any case, the detectives will harass the messenger, but the message remains; this action only creates more awareness of the literary piece and the message," he added.
