Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has come to the defence of Butere Girls High School students over their controversial play Echoes of War, arguing that its political message is a legitimate form of artistic expression that reflects Kenya’s current reality.

Speaking during a local media interview on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Odhiambo decried what she termed as hypocrisy in criticising student performances that explore political themes, pointing out that many of Kenya’s approved school set books are rooted in political struggles both locally and globally.

“You know the hypocrisy of it all is that all our set books have been based on political situations that happened not only in our nations but other nations,” she said.

The LSK president emphasized that artistic expression by students should be viewed as a reflection of current national discourse rather than as inappropriate political engagement by minors.

“Children engaging in the expression of art is a reality of the situation going on in the country. If they are focusing on one side vis-a-vis another, that is simply their choice in artistic interpretation, it is a form of expression in a play,” she explained.

Police conduct

Odhiambo also raised concern over the police’s conduct during the National Drama Festival in Nakuru, where Butere Girls students were reportedly teargassed and harassed.

“What is more worrying for us as a nation is the question of the independence of the National Police Service. What were the police doing there? First of all, creating the element of fear instead of ensuring the safety of those children,” she questioned.

The LSK chair strongly condemned the use of force against the students, describing it as a shameful act that should not be tolerated in a democratic society.

“The attacks and teargassing of school children is something the nation must frown upon. And even as LSK, we do not take this lying down. These are young girls who should be receiving protection—and yet, this is what is being meted upon them,” she stated.

Breach of children’s rights

Her latest remarks echo sentiments she expressed shortly after the April 10, 2025, incident, when she posted a statement on her X account condemning the incident as a gross violation of children’s rights.

“There is no legitimacy that can be claimed by an administration that attacks its children. The most vulnerable, for whose benefit every decision must be made and every necessary action taken, have been turned into victims of state overreach and police impunity,” Odhiambo wrote.

She argued that while Kenyans have tolerated a lot, the mistreatment of children, particularly in an educational and creative setting, crosses a red line.

“The people of Kenya can endure a lot, tolerate as much, and even condone some, but we can never be onlookers as our children are maimed for participating in extracurricular activities that have historically produced and nurtured our best talents,” she stated, calling on the National Police Service to be held accountable.