Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned President William Ruto’s administration for allegedly deploying police violence against students from Butere Girls Secondary School. The controversy surrounds the school’s drama festival play, Echoes of War, which explores themes of a Gen Z uprising against an oppressive regime.
The Incident at Nakuru Drama Festivals
The play was set to be performed during the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru when chaos erupted. Students reportedly declined to present the play, prompting police officers to intervene. Shocking scenes of tear gas being lobbed at the girls as they returned to their bus sparked widespread outrage.
Speaking at Mwai Kibaki’s memorial service on Friday, Gachagua labeled the government’s actions as excessive and unnecessary, saying,
“We are looking at Butere Girls and unable to understand the viciousness against children by the present government. Even the colonial government spared the children.”
He accused the current administration of paranoia, suggesting it is overly sensitive to criticism—even from school performances.
“They have gone berserk and are now fighting shadows, including school girls. How fluid is your government if girls can bring it down?”
Ruto vs. Kibaki: Gachagua Draws Comparisons
Gachagua used the opportunity to draw sharp contrasts between President Ruto’s leadership style and that of the late President Mwai Kibaki. He argued that Kibaki’s administration excelled in fostering economic growth and public trust by respecting institutions and efficiently managing taxpayers’ money.
“There’s nothing wrong with taxation because Kibaki did it. Kenyans don’t have a problem paying taxes; they have a big problem paying taxes that are misappropriated,” Gachagua remarked.
He also emphasized Kibaki’s preference for action over rhetoric:
“He spoke very little and did quite a lot. Nowadays, I only talk once a week. I’m learning from him.”
Government Responds: Education CS Refutes Allegations
Amid the public uproar, Education CS Migos Ogamba denied claims that the government intimidated the students. Ogamba asserted that the decision not to perform the play was made voluntarily by the students.
The CS also criticized the school’s management for allegedly involving Cleophas Malala, a non-teacher and former Kakamega Senator, in directing the play—a violation of Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) guidelines.
“We cannot allow people to weaponize school children against authority. Let political wars be fought by politicians outside learning environments,” Ogamba stated.
Public and Political Reactions
The Butere Girls incident has sparked heated debates across the country, with many questioning the lengths to which the government would go to suppress dissent. Critics argue that the heavy-handed approach reflects a deeper insecurity within the administration, while others see the incident as a warning against politicizing education.
