Students from Butere Girls High School faced a disheartening turn of events during their scheduled performance of the play “Echoes of War” at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru. At approximately 8 am, the students took to the stage only to be informed that the public address system, essential for their performance, was unavailable. In response, they chose to sing the National Anthem before leaving the stage in tears.

The controversy surrounding “Echoes of War” has been ongoing. Prior to the festival, the High Court intervened, ordering the school’s principal to recall 50 drama students to participate in the national event. This action followed the principal’s earlier decision to send the students home after receiving a directive from State House, which deemed the play inappropriate.

Complicating matters further, Cleophas Malala, the writer of “Echoes of War,” was barred from accessing the students’ camp by police, adding to the tension surrounding the performance.