NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the events surrounding the performance of “Echoes of War” by Butere Girls High School during the ongoing 2025 Kenya National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.
The Commission has raised alarms about the violent actions taken by law enforcement and the evident suppression of artistic expression, which they describe as a severe violation of the rights guaranteed under the Kenyan Constitution.
KNCHR expressed deep concern over the intimidation faced by the students and journalists involved in the production of the play, as well as the police’s use of excessive force.
The disruption of the play, including the violent actions of the police against students and journalists, has been labeled as a gross violation of both the law and democratic principles.
The Commission highlighted that during the performance, students were denied essential resources like microphones, props, and equipment provided to other schools, severely hampering their ability to deliver the play effectively.
Furthermore, the absence of an audience during their performance is seen as a direct infringement on their rights, not only as participants in the competition but also as individuals exercising their right to artistic expression.
“Echoes of War,” a play crafted by the students, deals with critical themes of governance, national values, and the impacts of conflict—topics that reflect the concerns of the younger generation.
The Commission views the disruption of the play as a dangerous attempt to silence dissenting voices, particularly those expressed through art, which are vital to a democratic society.
KNCHR emphasized that such actions are in direct violation of Article 33 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart ideas and information.
The Commission further condemned the assault on journalists, asserting that the violent treatment of media personnel — who were merely documenting the events — is a blatant violation of Article 34(2) and Article 35(1) of the Constitution, which protect media freedom and the right to access information.
The use of live ammunition to disperse the crowd and intimidate the public is particularly troubling, as it endangers lives and violates Article 29(c) of the Constitution, which protects individuals from violence, whether from public or private sources.
According to the KNCHR, the role of the police, as outlined in the National Police Service Act, is to maintain law and order, protect life and property, and uphold the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
Instead, the actions of the police during the incident were contrary to Section 24 and Section 49 of the Act, which emphasize lawful conduct and accountability in police operations.
In response to these violations, the KNCHR has made several urgent recommendations:
- Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA): The Commission calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the police officers involved in the violent confrontation and the use of live ammunition. Legal and disciplinary actions must be taken against those responsible.
- Protection of Artistic Expression: The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and the Arts are urged to clarify their stance on censorship in creative spaces and reaffirm their commitment to protecting freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 33 of the Constitution.
- Parliamentary Oversight: Relevant Parliamentary Committees, including those on Education, Justice and Legal Affairs, and National Security, are urged to summon the responsible officials to provide explanations regarding the disruption of the play and the excessive use of force witnessed.
In its statement, the KNCHR reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, stressing that silencing the voices of young artists and attacking unarmed journalists undermines Kenya’s democratic progress.
The Commission insists that the creativity of youth must be nurtured, not stifled, and that freedom of expression must be protected.
“Let Kenya remain a space where ideas flourish, criticism is respected, and rights are protected,” concluded Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Vice Chairperson of KNCHR.
The Commission’s call for accountability comes at a crucial time as it urges all state actors to respect the rights enshrined in the Constitution, safeguarding Kenya’s democratic integrity and ensuring the safety and freedoms of its citizens.
