The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the intimidation imposed on the play “Echoes of War” by Butere Girls High School during the ongoing 2025 Kenya National Drama Festivals for Schools in Nakuru County; including violation of Court Orders.
The Commission is particularly alarmed by the hostile environment during the expected time for the performance, including the violent conduct of law enforcement officers against students, journalists, and the shocking use of live ammunition to disperse and intimidate members of the public and the press.
Moreover, although the students were given an opportunity to stage the play, they were deprived of essential resources that could have improved their performance, such as microphones, props, and other equipment that were provided to other schools. Additionally, the absence of an audience during their performance is a violation of their rights during such competitions.
Efforts to silence dissenting or critical voices, especially those expressed through art send a dangerous message about intolerance and authoritarianism.
The play, a product of youthful creativity, highlighted themes surrounding governance, national values, and the enduring effects of conflict. The decision to disrupt it is not only an affront to the freedom of expression and artistic creativity but also violates Article 33 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees every person the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to seek, receive, or impart information or ideas.
The deployment of police to harass and assault journalists, some of whom were documenting the events surrounding the disruption of the play, is a flagrant violation of Article 34(2) and Article 35(1), which safeguard freedom of the media and the right to access information. The brutalization of journalists; professionals who are simply doing their job, is unacceptable in any democratic society.
Further, the use of live bullets in such a context not only endangers lives but also contravenes Article 29(c) which protects every person from being subjected to violence from either public or private sources. The role of the police, as provided under the National Police Service Act, is to protect life and property, maintain law and order, and uphold the rights and freedoms of all citizens - not to be a tool for censorship or oppression. The actions witnessed go against Section 24 and Section 49 of the Act, which emphasize lawful conduct and accountability in police operations.
The Commission therefore makes the following recommendations:
1. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) must launch an urgent, thorough investigation into the police officers involved in the alleged violent confrontation and firing of live bullets, with the aim of instituting legal and disciplinary action.
2. Protection of Artistic Expression:
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and the Arts must clarify their position on censorship in creative spaces and affirm their commitment to uphold Article 33 and 11(2)(a) of the Constitution, which recognize culture as the foundation of the nation and obligate the state to promote all forms of national and artistic expression.
3. Parliamentary Oversight:
Relevant Parliamentary Committees, including those on Education, Justice and Legal Affairs, and National Security; must summon responsible officials to explain the rationale behind the disruption of the play and the excessive use of force witnessed.
As a Commission, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Silencing the voices of young artists and turning State weapons against unarmed journalists erodes the democratic gains Kenya has made over the years. KNCHR urges all duty bearers to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights enshrined in our Constitution. The creativity of our youth must be nurtured, not suppressed. Freedom of expression must be protected, not punished.
Let Kenya remain a space where ideas flourish, criticism is respected, and rights are protected.
Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati!
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Ph.D,
Vice Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).