NAIROBI, Kenya — Lawmakers have sharply condemned former Secretary General of the ruling UDA Party, Cleophas Malala, accusing him of exploiting a school drama performance at Butere Girls High School for political gain.
The incident unfolded during the performance of the play Echoes of War, which was abruptly halted when students reportedly refused to continue after Malala’s arrest an event that has since ignited widespread national criticism.
During Thursday’s parliamentary session, Butere MP Tindi Mwale formally requested a statement from the Ministry of Interior regarding the unrest, during which students were allegedly teargassed at the National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru.
Mwale demanded a thorough investigation, asserting that the students’ rights was blatantly undermined by what he described as state brutality.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan, leading the group of President William Ruto’s allies in denouncing Malala, condemned the intrusion of politics into educational spaces and questioned the involvement of political figures in student co-curricular events.
“The Butere Girls students have become victims of political theatrics. How did the school permit Malala to participate in an event designed solely to showcase student talent?” Keynan asked.
“We are destroying the socio-political fabric of our nation through petty, partisan politics. Individuals must be held accountable,” he added.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) emphasized the need to maintain discipline in schools while safeguarding freedom of expression.
“While we condemn any mistreatment of students, we must also speak as parents. We risk nurturing a generation that resists redirectioneven when their actions are mistaken,” Osoro stated.
Nominated MP Donya Dorice further criticized the trend of politicians taking on roles traditionally reserved for educators in school activities.
“Drama teachers should craft the scripts, not politicians.What message does it send when our leaders hijack platforms meant for the development of our youth?”she remarked.
