Kenya, April 11 -- Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly denounced what he describes as the "vicious" treatment of students from Butere Girls High School following their performance of the play Echoes of War at the National Drama Festival in Nakuru.
"How fluid is your government if girls can bring you down?" Gachagua's take on Butere Girls' oppression accuses President William Ruto and NIS boss Noordin Haji of incompetence.
Speaking at the 2nd Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture and Luncheon in Nairobi on Friday, Gachagua criticised the government's response, questioning why a school production had provoked such a heavy-handed reaction.
The play, which had been performed at sub-county and county levels without issue, reportedly caused tension at the national stage, leading to what Gachagua and his allies call an overreach by authorities.
"We are unable to understand this viciousness against children," Gachagua said, drawing a stark comparison to colonial-era governance. "Even the colonial government, which was brutal, spared the children. Now they are fighting shadows, including schoolgirls."
Gachagua pointed to a failure in the country's intelligence system, arguing that any concerns about the play's content could have been addressed earlier to avoid the public standoff. His remarks come amid reports of students facing restrictions and the arrest of the play's author, Cleophas Malala, a known Gachagua supporter, on Wednesday night.
A court order later allowed the performance to proceed, but the incident has sparked widespread debate.
Allies of the former deputy president have echoed his call for accountability, condemning the treatment of both the students and journalists covering the event.
Social media platforms are abuzz with support for the students, with many Kenyans questioning the government's priorities. "How fluid is your government if girls can bring you down?" Gachagua quipped, amplifying the sentiment.
The controversy has reignited discussions about freedom of expression and the role of youth in Kenya's cultural and political landscape.
As the fallout continues, Gachagua's outspoken stance keeps him in the spotlight months after his impeachment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.