Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala has accused President William Ruto of being behind the directive to block Butere Girls High School from staging their play Echoes of War at the National Drama and Film Festivals. 

Speaking on Thursday, April 10, following his unconditional release from police custody, Malala detailed events leading up to the controversy. 

He said trouble began after the students qualified at the regional level.

“The principal came back and reported to me that the play had been stopped from proceeding to the national level because of its political nature and because you are tainting the reputation of a certain leader,” Malala narrated.

When he followed up with the regional director of education, the former Senator claimed he was informed that the directive came from State House.

“He told me that they had gotten orders from State House that the play should never be staged anywhere.” 

Malala later obtained a court order allowing the performance, but by that time, he said, authorities had already blocked the students from rehearsing.

“I would like to say that the person behind all these incidents is not the regional director of education, not drama officials because they ensured that the play was performed from Sub County level. The person who seems to have an issue with this play is William Ruto,” he alleged. 

He urged the president to allow the students to perform the play, which he argued addresses governance issues that could serve as a mirror for the administration.

“This play will help you, president; it enlightens you on how to serve, tells you citizens’ needs, highlights youth issues who want a working Universal Health Care.” 

He clarified that Echoes of War is set in a fictional Middle Eastern country, about a Royal Velvet Emirates, and uses symbolism, idioms, and metaphors—not direct references to any specific individual.

Calling the incident a violation of minors’ rights, Malala appealed for the international community to intervene and pledged to pursue further legal action.

“I am now instructing you to go back to court and get orders for those children to perform before an audience at the national theatre that will be filmed, and the performance will be used now as history so that the coming generation can watch this play,” he added.

He also criticised the growing interference of politicians and administrators in the running of the National Drama Festival.