Nairobi, 11 April 2025 — The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the unlawful actions taken against students of Butere Girls High School during their scheduled performance of the play Echoes of War at the Kenya National Drama Festivals in Nakuru County.
Despite a court ruling affirming the students’ right to perform the play, police officers continued to intimidate and frustrate the students.
On Wednesday, the students were barred from rehearsing, and on the following morning, they were made to begin their performance earlier than scheduled.
Upon entering the performance hall, they found no public address system, audience, or costumes, which are typically provided for such events.
Choosing not to perform under these conditions, the students peacefully exited the venue. However, outside, police officers reportedly lobbed teargas at the students, who were being interviewed by journalists at the time. The ensuing chaos caused the girls to flee in panic, with some becoming separated from their teachers and school bus .NTV Kenya+4Citizen Digital+4Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC)+4
FIDA-Kenya asserts that these actions violate several constitutional rights of the children, including Articles 28, 33(1)(b), 36, 37, and 53, which pertain to human dignity, freedom of expression, association, assembly, and children’s rights.
The organization has called on the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the misuse of power by the police officers involved. FIDA-Kenya urges that disciplinary actions be taken against those found responsible and that IPOA publish a report on the investigation’s outcomes, given the involvement of children.
Additionally, FIDA-Kenya appeals to the Ministry of Education to ensure that Butere Girls High School students are allowed to perform the play as per the court’s instructions and to prevent such violations in future events. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration is also urged to assure the public that children’s rights are protected under the constitution and that any violations will not be tolerated.
FIDA-Kenya stands in solidarity with the students of Butere Girls High School, commending their courage in the face of intimidation. The organization remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls, ensuring that no child in Kenya is subjected to such unlawful and traumatic experiences.
All students from Butere Girls High School who had been reported missing following the standoff have been accounted for. Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala had earlier raised concerns about missing students, but it has since been confirmed that the girls were found safe. Malala clarified that the students had scattered for safety and were separated from their peers after police deployed teargas to disperse journalists and local residents who had gathered during the standoff.
The play Echoes of War, which addresses themes of governance and youth-led anti-government protests, had previously been disqualified during the Western Region Drama Festivals under unclear circumstances. A subsequent High Court ruling overturned that decision, reinstating the play and ordering its inclusion in the national lineup.