By Dorothy Musyoka
Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has come out strongly in defense of Butere Girls High School, lauding the students for their bold artistic expression amid growing national outrage over the attempted censorship of their play Echoes of War.
In a statement, Moi described the students as “daughters of the nation,” not enemies of the state, adding that they deserve to be celebrated for speaking truth to power through theatre.
“The young girls of Butere are not enemies of the state but the daughters of this nation. Rather than be punished for speaking the truth through art, they should be celebrated,” stated Moi.
According to Moi, the play, Echoes of War, is a thought-provoking satire that exposes the collapse of public services, patronage politics, and broken promises.
It struck a chord with audiences for its raw portrayal of youth frustration, particularly among the Gen Z demographic, and its bold critique of the current governance landscape.
“A pure form of artistic expression, the play is a bold and thoughtful satire on the collapse of social services, entrenched patronage politics, and broken promises, reflecting the lived frustrations of our young people,” added Moi.
Moi did not mince his words about the state’s role in the ordeal, calling it ironic and dangerous.
“This incident is not isolated but a growing pattern of silencing dissent through extrajudicial means. Just days earlier, a rag-tag militia unleashed hooliganism at a place of worship in Kasarani, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was in attendance,” reiterated Moi.
“It is ironic that peaceful expression is criminalized while violence by elements allied to the state is either ignored or covertly encouraged,” he added.
Former Senator has called on the government to conduct a sincere evaluation of its direction on is fundamental responsibilities by prioritizing meaningful policy actions in key sectors.
“We urge the government to undertake an honest self-assessment and realign its priorities with its core mandate by shifting and consolidating its focus toward impactful policy interventions in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure,” stated Moi.
The controversy echoes a similar incident in 2013, when Butere Girls’ critically acclaimed performance of Shackles of Doom also scripted by Hon. Cleophas Malala was banned for challenging systemic inequalities.