NAIROBI, Kenya— Lawmakers backing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have sharply criticized the treatment of Butere Girls High School students and journalists following the Echoes of War play, urging that those behind the actions be brought to justice.
In a press briefing at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, lawmakers led by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba decried the episode as “a disgraceful act” amounting to state-sponsored brutality.
“I call for immediate accountability. Those responsible must face justice. Remaining silent in the face of such an atrocity is complicity. Kenya must choose between tyranny and liberty,”said Wamuchomba.
She castigated the government for infringing on the rights of children and artists, describing the incident as a constitutional violation.
“Those girls confessed on TV that they didn’t eat, sleep, or even shower the night before the performance. This is not how we treat our children. On behalf of this government, I must call it out for what it has become,”the Githunguri MP decried.
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto also condemned the use of force on minors at what was meant to be a peaceful educational and artistic event.
“Children should not become political pawns. This crackdown highlights a government that is intolerant of dissenteven from students. Let children express themselves. They know their rights. Whoever they choose to guide that expression is within those rights,”he warned.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa questioned the harassment of former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala for promoting accountability through art.
“Malala is being targeted because he speaks the truth. Those calling out the government are the ones facing intimidation. Had he been from the President’s side, this wouldn’t have happened,”he claimed.
Thangwa further criticized the administration for neglecting its duty to protect future generations.
“Instead of building classrooms or paying teachers, this government is now brutalizing students. After chasing them from the streets, you’re now invading their classrooms,”he stated.
