A Kisii High Court has ordered the Principal of Butere Girls High, Jenipher Omondi, to recall 50 drama students in order for them to rehearse for the National Drama Festivals for April 7, 2025.
According to reports, the principal closed the school for the April holidays earlier than usual in order to stop the drama students from participating in the festival.
This was after it turned out that their play, known as ‘Echoes of War’, had political influence/message.
The play, which was written by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, mirrored Genz’s concerns about government.
The play was initially removed from the gala, and the drama club was directed to send its members home.
After the school was dropped from the National festivals, it was replaced by Vihiga High School.
This is what prompted legal action by Anifa Mango, a former student and passionate thespian in the region.
“That the Honorable Court, be pleased to issue an order that the Respondent retain in school and/or recall all 50 students participating in drama festivals for their participation in the National Drama Festivals scheduled for April 7, 2025 to April, 15 2025 in Nakuru County”, Mango’s petition read.
Mango’s lawyer, Kennedy Echesa, argued that the principal’s action was unconstitutional and violated students’ rights to freedom of speech, expression and fair administrative action.
He added that there is no legal authority, including the State House and the Ministry of Education, that has the power to block the play especially after professional adjudicators had approved it at multiple competition levels.
Regarding the matter, the court ordered the 50 students to be recalled back to school as they await further directions from the court.
