Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who also wrote the play Echoes of War that sparked national attention, has finally spoken out after being held at Eldama Ravine Police Station for more than eight hours.
He was arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with the controversial play, which was being performed by students from Butere Girls High School.
Malala addressed the public following tense moments at Kirobon Girls Secondary School in Nakuru, where the Butere Girls team was rehearsing for the 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama Festival.
Expressing deep disappointment and concern, he strongly criticised the government’s reaction, saying that using police to disrupt a school play was a clear attempt to silence free speech and artistic expression.
“We are extremely disappointed with how this issue is being handled by the authorities. My heart goes out to the students of Butere Girls who have worked so hard to showcase their talent and courageously speak on the problems facing this country,” Malala said in a phone interview with Spice FM.
The former Kakamega Senator further alleged that 15 students from Butere Girls who were supposed to perform had gone missing and could not be traced.
He condemned the government’s move to deploy police officers to the drama venue, accusing them of using fear and intimidation tactics against both the students and the public.
“Drama festivals have always covered a wide range of social themes over the years. It’s truly unfortunate that the government has now chosen to punish and threaten innocent students who are simply using theatre to express themselves,” Malala stated firmly.
Speaking passionately, Malala, who once held a key role in the ruling administration, defended the play and dismissed accusations that it was meant to incite the public.
He clarified that the intention behind Echoes of War was to highlight the injustices in society and raise awareness about the challenges young people face in Kenya today.
“This play is a voice of the people, especially the youth. The Gen Z generation is not asking for too much—they’re simply calling for better governance, access to healthcare, transparency, and accountability,” he explained.
“This is not a case of incitement. It is a piece of art designed to bring attention to serious societal issues in a creative and powerful way,” he added.
Malala also revealed that despite being held overnight at the police station, he had not been formally charged with any offense.
Furthermore, he claimed that the police in Nakuru had failed to explain why he was arrested or provide any official communication regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, speaking after reports emerged that police used tear gas to disperse students who declined to perform due to the heavy police presence, announced that he and a group of lawyers would take legal action.
Wamalwa expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of the situation, warning that it could be a sign of the country slipping into authoritarian rule, where freedom of expression and peaceful protest are no longer respected.
“This kind of government response is extremely worrying. If artists and students can no longer express themselves freely, then we are slowly heading into a dark chapter where democracy and freedom of speech are under threat,” Wamalwa cautioned.
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