Aasai

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked debate after publicly questioning UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala’s involvement in the ongoing National Drama Festivals. Murkomen challenged Malala’s presence at the fete, asking, “What’s your role here?” despite Malala being a long-time contributor to Kenya’s theatre scene, with over 80 plays to his name. The controversy stems from a play titled Echoes of War by Butere Girls, which Murkomen claims was intended to portray the government negatively. While he acknowledged students’ rights to freedom of expression, the CS warned against using schoolchildren to push political narratives, urging drama trainers and leaders to respect educational boundaries. Murkomen further criticized politicians’ involvement in school performances, insisting that scriptwriting should be left to teachers. “The competition loses value when politicians become scriptwriters. If anyone wants to write plays, let them take them to the theatre, not school festivals,” he said. His comments followed a dramatic walkout by Butere Girls, who refused to perform their play citing harassment by festival officials and police. The incident has ignited fresh debate on censorship, creative freedom, and the politicization of school events.