President William Ruto has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding Butere Girls High School’s play that encountered obstacles during this year’s national drama festivals.

The play was written and directed by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malalah.

Speaking on Sunday, April 13, 2025, during an interdenominational church service in Kapng’etik, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the president warned against those he claimed were trying to corrupt young minds.

He said children must be protected from negative influences that attempt to sow hatred and division.

“We must equally protect all our children from pedophiles, drug peddlers, and those who want to corrupt our children and teach them to hate their parents, teachers, leaders, or their nation. We must protect our children from those,” the head of state said.

Ruto stressed the importance of giving children equal opportunities to thrive in all areas, from academics to sports and the arts. He said his administration is committed to ensuring that every child is supported to reach their full potential, regardless of their talents or interests.

“We must give all our children the best opportunity to be the best they can be. Every child, formal education, technical education, the creative industry, arts, and sports: we must give our children the array of what they can be. Those who are good in academics, others are good in sports, the creative economy, and the arts. My administration is going to make sure that our children get the best, and we must support them,” President Ruto added.

Butere Girls play

His remarks come after students from Butere Girls High School declined to perform their play, Echoes of War, at the national drama festivals held in Nakuru after being given a green light under strict conditions. The students said they had faced harassment, neglect, and intimidation from authorities, leading to their decision to pull out.

“We were harassed by the police. We went to the stage with nothing — no sound, no décor, nothing. So we sang the national anthem and left,” one of the students said, visibly livid.

The situation grew more intense as students began demanding the whereabouts of their play director, Cleophas Malala, who they claimed had gone missing weeks before the national competition. The girls said they had not received proper guidance or rehearsal time without him.

“We want our director. We are not performing without our director,” several students shouted in unison.

“Where is Mr. Cleophas? We want him. We are not going back to Butere,” the students declared.

The highly debated play tells the story of a fictional kingdom and explores themes of youth disillusionment with leadership. It was initially blocked by the government from being performed at the national level, a move that drew national attention and public debate.

The situation escalated when reports emerged that police had used teargas and force to stop the students, prompting widespread condemnation from the public and human rights groups.