Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna took a direct swipe at President William Ruto during the funeral of Raila Odinga’s longtime bodyguard George Oduor on Saturday, April 12, boldly criticizing what he termed as “self-inflicted” challenges facing the Ruto administration.
Speaking in the presence of Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Sifuna referenced the controversial “Echoes of War” incident involving Butere Girls High School at the national drama festivals in Nakuru. He urged the President to take control of his government, stating:
“Like the Bishop said, your job is hard. But some problems, like what we saw in Nakuru, are self-inflicted. Those girls were stopped from performing — that was unnecessary.”
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Senator Edwin Sifuna speaking at George Oduor’s funeral in the presence of Raila Odinga – Photo Courtesy
Sifuna Demands Legal Compliance From Ruto
The Senator also reminded the President to adhere to the constitution by releasing funds owed to political parties.
Also Read:Echoes of War: Malala blocked from assessing Butere Girls students
Background: Drama at Nakuru Festival
The controversy began when Butere Girls students refused to perform their play, “Echoes of War,” following the arrest of their play director, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala. The students demanded his presence before stepping on stage.
Reports also emerged that the students faced harassment and a lack of proper staging, prompting one of them to declare:
“We were harassed by police. We sang the national anthem and said we are not going to perform.”
Education Ministry Responds
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba later denied claims that the government blocked the play. He said the students chose not to perform out of their own volition due to the absence of Malala, who is not a teacher at the school.
“They were allowed to perform, but after the anthem, one of them said they won’t go on without Malala. That was their choice,” Ogamba stated.
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism across political and public spaces, with leaders calling for better handling of school-related events and freedom of artistic expression.
