CS Murkomen Breaks Silence Over Butere Girls Play, Issues Apology and Raises Political Concerns

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a public apology following the tear-gassing of journalists who were covering the ongoing controversy surrounding the Butere Girls’ play titled “Echoes of War” in Nakuru County.

Government Regrets Mistreatment of Press

Speaking from Lamu County on Thursday, April 10, CS Murkomen acknowledged the unfortunate incident, stating that the government would conduct an internal probe to establish what transpired during the chaos at the drama festival venue.

“There was an unfortunate situation where a tear gas hit a journalist, and it is regrettable. We apologize. It is not our intention to throw tear gas on our journalists,” said Murkomen.

Mid-Article Image

Murkomen Questions Malala’s Role in Playwriting

While defending the students’ right to artistic expression, Murkomen raised eyebrows over the involvement of former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala as the play’s writer.

“Ask yourself, as a Kenyan, how is it possible that we have reached a level where a politician has become the writer of a play for students? He is using the students for politics,” the CS questioned.

He further added that school plays should be the responsibility of teachers and not political figures. “Even if you look down upon the government, we know that these schools have teachers. Let politicians leave the teachers to do their work and leave students out of our politics,” he emphasized.

Malala Defends His Theatre Credentials

On his part, Malala fired back, criticizing the government for politicizing his involvement in school drama. The former senator maintained that writing plays was not a new activity for him and questioned the state’s sudden disapproval.

“I have written over 80 plays for various schools across the country. Why is it a problem now?” Malala asked.

The row surrounding the play Echoes of War continues to attract national attention, especially after it was reinstated by the court following its earlier disqualification from the Western Region Drama Festivals.