President William Ruto yesterday responded strongly to the debacle that befell this year’s Kenyan Drama and Film Festival when the courts ordered the staging of the aborted Butere Girls’ High School play Echoes of War by Cleophas Malalah. 

The President warned that the school drama as well as music festivals are not for politicians to engage. 

“We must protect our children from paedophiles, molesters and drug peddlers,” warned President Ruto whilst addressing students and winners of the 63rd edition of the Kenya Drama and Film Festival at State House Nakuru. 

Appetite for promotions 

In a thinly-veiled attack against the former UDA Secretary General, the President alluded to his directive last year to have drama teachers promoted for their good work saying some politicians with an appetite for promotions must join the fray to win the same. 

Malala, who was once the Secretary General of the United Democratic has been accused of using the play to settle political scores with Ruto.  

He, however, refuted the claims and accused the government of stifling the freedom of expression.  

“Ruto is the only person with a problem with this play, He is afraid of being told the truth. The play tells you the ills of the government and what the Gen Zs are crying about,” Malala said on April 10, 2025, shortly after being released from police custody. 

“I am happy that 470 teachers of Drama had been promoted subsequent to my directives,” he announced, adding that teachers in all other co-curricula activities must also be promoted accordingly for good work. 

The President also announced that the government will consider establishing creative studios alongside the Affordable Housing Project that is ongoing. 

President Ruto expressed satisfaction of the effort by the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development to monetize content from the fete. 

“I have been following the content personally, the content uploaded by KICD on YouTube,” said adding that drama is a great channel to entertain and educate. 

He noted that thousands of hours of content are now accessible globally through digital platforms and that archival performances are being preserved and converted into modern formats for broader accessibility. 

“This is how we preserve heritage, empower creators, and reach the world. However, more needs to be done to ensure that artists earn from their digitised content,” he said. 

E-Citizen platform 

As a consequence, the President welcomed the idea of availing the festival items in the government’s E-Citizen Platform so as to allow access to Kenyans and other consumers. 

In area tribute, the President recognized the role played by iconic Kenyan artists John Sibi-Okumu, Prof Francis Imbuga the immortalized author of Betrayal in The City and Man of Kafira as well as Oliver Litondo the star in First Grader depicting the life of Kimani Maruge and Kenya’s historic Free universal Primary Education. 

The President noted that the Ministry of Education and our partners continue to provide training and capacity-building at national, regional, and county levels. 

Of crucial note is the Kenya Film School that now offers courses in acting, production, and filmmaking, equipping young people with real industry skills. 

The Competency-Based Curriculum has created clear pathways into the performing arts. music, drama, and film are no longer side pursuits; they are viable careers, said the President. 

Further, he saluted Kenya’s Hollywood Sensation Edi Gathegi who is trailblazing in the silver screen and about to star in a new blockbuster in the US. 

“This July, he will portray ‘Mister Terrific’ in the upcoming ‘Superman blockbuster’. Edi, like many other Kenyans I met at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, US, a year ago, is proof that Kenyan talent knows no borders,” he said. 

Awakens imagination 

He concluded by saying that Art has the power to unify, to heal, and to inspire. It bridges divides, awakens imagination, and affirms identity. 

“As we enjoy today’s performances, let us remember that a nation that honours its artistes is a nation that values its soul,” he stressed. 

Earlier, about ten presentations had been made by the learners from each of the eight regions of Kenya. 

Those who had the privilege to perform before the President included Westlands Primary School with a choral verse, Ganjoni School with a Singing Game titled My Shining House, Moi Aribase Primary with Hadithi Yetu, Nalondo National School with Elaputopu dance, Iftin Primary Schjool with Unbroken Rhythm solo dance, Kenyanya TTC with Amarua dance, PCEA Kangema with Under My Umbrella solo verse, Kenyatta University Kitui with solo verse, Tartar Girls with Cherop dance, Seme TVC with Aviator narrative and Moi High School Mbiruri with the play Classmate.