By Michael | April 10, 2025
Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala spent Wednesday night in police custody at Eldama Ravine Police Station following a dramatic chain of events linked to a controversial school play scheduled to be performed in Nakuru.
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Detained Before Drama Festival
Malala was initially held at Nakuru Central Police Station before being transferred to Eldama Ravine. His arrest came just hours before Butere Girls High School was scheduled to perform a play titled “Echoes of War” at the ongoing 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama Festivals.
The play, which Malala is said to have written, has stirred national attention over its alleged critical stance toward the current government. Police sources claim his detention was part of measures to “address fears” surrounding the play’s public performance.
Legal Team Responds
Advocate Ndegwa Njiru condemned the arrest and mobilized fellow lawyers to seek Malala’s immediate release. “He is a prisoner of conscience,” Njiru stated, urging solidarity among legal professionals in Nakuru.
Heavy Security Presence in Nakuru
Security was tight at Melvin Jones Academy, the venue of the performance, where only students and officials were allowed entry. Journalists attempting to cover the event were turned away. Later, police even used teargas to disperse media personnel camped outside the school.
Controversy Surrounding “Echoes of War”
The play was initially disqualified from the Western Region Drama Festivals under unclear circumstances. However, a High Court ruling reversed the decision and reinstated the play in the national competition. Following the court order, students were recalled from April holidays to resume rehearsals.
Former Senator Cleophas Malala being escorted by police after his arrest over a controversial school play. PHOTO/FILE
Political Reactions
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the government’s actions, accusing them of suppressing freedom of expression. “The satirical play – Echoes of War – captures the lying culture of this administration. Arresting Malala only amplifies its message,” he said in a post.
Malala, who also served as UDA Secretary General before his ouster, has a strong background in theatre. His supporters argue that the government’s response to the play is excessive and threatens artistic freedom in Kenya.
Public Concern Grows
The incident has sparked national debate over censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of literature in political discourse. Many Kenyans are questioning whether the arrest of a scriptwriter over a student play signals a deeper crisis in the country’s democratic values.
