Kenya, April 10 -- Tensions escalated at Melvin Jones Hall in Nakuru on Thursday morning as police barred journalists, students, and members of the public from entering the venue where Butere Girls High School is set to stage their controversial play, Echoes of War.

The performance, scheduled as part of the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals, has been at the centre of a heated standoff involving law enforcement, festival organisers, and the play's playwright, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.

Witnesses reported a heavy police presence outside the hall shortly, with officers forming a cordon to block access.

Journalists attempting to cover the event were forcibly removed from the premises, while students from Butere Girls were seen changing into their costumes inside their bus, unable to enter the venue for final preparations.

The play, penned by Malala, explores themes of governance, technology, and social justice, drawing inspiration from Kenya's 2024 Gen Z protests-a narrative that has sparked both acclaim and contention.

The barring of the public and press follows a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday evening at Kirobon Girls High School, where Malala was blocked by police from overseeing rehearsals.

That incident saw six journalists injured after officers lobbed tear gas to disperse the crowd, prompting outrage from media groups and accusations of press intimidation. Malala, who claims he was briefly arrested and transferred to Eldama Ravine Police Station, has accused the government of attempting to suppress the play's message.

Despite a High Court ruling on April 3 reinstating Echoes of War into the festival lineup after an initial ban, the situation remains volatile.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok had assured the public on Monday that the performance would proceed as planned, stating, "The issues have been resolved, and the play will go on." However, Thursday's developments have cast doubt on that commitment.

Netizens reflect growing public frustration, with users comparing the heavy-handed response to authoritarian tactics of past eras. "Journalists kicked out of Melvin Jones School by police. Wallai, we're back into the Moi Era," one user wrote, echoing a sentiment shared across the platform.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.