Democracy for Citizens Party Deputy Leader, Cleophas Malala, who previously sparked national debate with his controversial play Echoes of War, has announced plans for a new, even more daring production aimed at adult audiences.
During an interview on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Malala revealed that the upcoming play will be titled Who Killed Amollo? and is set to be staged in a commercial theatre, signaling a move toward more mature and provocative themes.
When asked if the new production would continue the storyline from Echoes of War, Malala clarified that it would be a completely separate story featuring adult characters. This marks a clear departure from his previous work, which caused controversy when performed by students at Butere High School.
“At some point, I will stage Echoes of War, which was previously banned. But now, I am creating a play specifically for adult minds, to be performed in a commercial theatre. The new play is called Who Killed Amollo?,” Malala said.
When pressed on whether the name “Amollo” referred to former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, Malala avoided a direct answer. He stated that the name was simply a character’s name, like any other, but he drew a historical parallel that hinted at political commentary.
He referenced President William Ruto’s recent appointment of Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
“I want Kenyans to remember that in 1969, after Tom Mboya was assassinated, the same people responsible for his death later offered his widow, Pamela Mboya, a job at UNEP. So, who really killed Amollo?” Malala claimed.
However, a fact check by Newshub.co.ke revealed that Pamela Mboya was not appointed to UNEP in 1969. In fact, UNEP was only established in 1972, three years after Mboya’s assassination. Pamela Mboya later had a distinguished career with the United Nations Development Programme and served as Kenya’s permanent representative to UN-Habitat during the 1980s.
Malala’s announcement comes just days after President Ruto nominated Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP.
The President noted that her appointment is in recognition of her lifelong service, courage, and dedication to advancing women’s education and empowerment.
Malala first drew national attention with his play Echoes of War in April last year, when students from Butere Girls High School prepared to perform it. The play’s controversial themes led to Malala’s temporary detention, sparking protests from the drama team, who refused to perform until he was released.
Echoes of War presents a hyperbolic story that explores the growing gap between generations. Set in the fictional Royal Velvet Emirates, the play depicts a society on the edge of collapse due to conflicts between tradition and innovation.
The story follows Mustafa, a brilliant fourth-year IT student, whose telemedicine app initially earns the praise of the ruling Sultan. However, his fortunes take a dramatic turn when past social media posts criticizing the government resurface.
The narrative highlights the tension between youth-driven innovation and political authority, showing how generational differences and political pressures can collide in unexpected ways.
With Who Killed Amollo?, Malala appears ready to push the boundaries even further, presenting a play aimed at adults that promises to provoke thought, spark conversation, and continue his reputation for addressing bold and sensitive topics through theatre.
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