Renowned teacher, musician, and justice advocate Reuben Kigame has spoken out strongly against the disqualification of Butere Girls High School’s drama team from the National Drama Festivals, terming it a worrying case of censorship and a threat to creative expression in educational institutions.
The play in question, Echoes of War, was initially barred from performance at the national level, sparking public outcry and legal intervention. The High Court later ruled in favor of the students, allowing them to perform and affirming the right to freedom of artistic expression.
In a detailed response, Kigame emphasized that Echoes of War—which ends with a message of peace and reconciliation—did not contain content that warranted such severe measures. “The resulting turmoil was unwarranted. The play powerfully rejects the recurrence of conflict, a message our society should embrace, not silence,” he noted.
Drawing parallels with past KCSE literature like The Government Inspector, Betrayal in the City, and Fathers of Nations, Kigame pointed out that Kenyan schools have long embraced politically charged works without issue. “Kiswahili set books like Kigogo and Tumbo Lisiloshiba confront societal injustices. Why, then, are today's student expressions being silenced?” he questioned.
Kigame also raised concern over a growing trend in schools where drama, music, and sports are outsourced to professionals, sidelining the creative involvement of students and teachers. “We are drifting away from nurturing homegrown talent. Festivals should be a space for students and teachers to innovate, learn, and express—not to be overshadowed by hired experts chasing trophies,” he stated.
He further condemned the reported involvement of police and alleged acts of brutality during the Butere Girls’ ordeal. “The unnecessary presence of law enforcement at an educational and artistic event is an alarming overreach. Our schools should be safe spaces where freedom of thought and creativity thrive,” Kigame added.
As Deputy Party Leader of the Justice and Freedom Party, Kigame called for the Ministry of Education and Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Committee to urgently review policies governing student performances and ensure the protection of artistic freedoms in schools.
“This is a pivotal moment. We must decide whether our education system will champion critical thinking and expression—or continue down a path of fear and suppression,” Kigame concluded.
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