Students of Butere Girls High School returned to their school visibly shaken and emotionally drained after being barred from performing their play, “Echoes of War”, despite a court order reinstating them.

Anglican Church Butere Diocese Bishop, Rose Okeno, who serves as the girls’ spiritual guardian, said the students remained deeply traumatised and would undergo counselling.

“What is paining is how the government handled these young angels. How do you even start fighting small girls by lobbing teargas at them? That should not have happened,” said Okeno.

Speaking after leading a special prayer session at the school, Bishop Okeno noted that many students broke down in tears during the service. She expressed hope that the prayers would offer some emotional solace.

“The girls were demoralised and heartbroken. They had worked so hard, and to be treated that way in Nakuru was extremely unfair, but however ugly it might look, they are children and need moral support.”

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa condemned the use of excessive force by police officers who stopped the girls from performing the play.

Barasa said the police officers should have employed alternative methods to address the situation instead of using tear gas.

“That was completely unnecessary. Those children are innocent, and they merely wished to showcase their talents. I am profoundly disappointed,” said Barasa.