Gachagua Attacks NIS Again Over Butere Girls 'Echoes of War' Play

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has blamed the reported mistreatment of Butere Girls High School students in Nakuru on what he called a failure in the country’s intelligence system.

Speaking at the memorial service of former President Mwai Kibaki in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Friday afternoon, Gachagua took aim at National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji in a renewed attack against the intelligence boss, accusing him of not doing enough to stop the alleged harassment of the students.

The impeached DP argued that if the play Echoes of War by the Butere Girls was deemed inappropriate, authorities should have intervened from the word 'go'.

He went on to accuse the NIS boss of neglecting his duties, claiming the agency’s failure stems from Haji prioritizing personal interests over national service.

An abandoned hall where Butere Girls were scheduled to perform their play on April 10, 2025. /RODGERS KIPEMBE

"It came all the way from the sub-county, and nobody noticed. It went to the county, and nobody noticed. It went to the region and became number three; nobody noticed. They only noticed it in Nakuru, in the finals, because of a failed intelligence system. If a decision needed to be made that the play was bad and people should not see it, it could have been stopped at the initial stages," Gachagua said.

"If a decision needed to be made that it is a bad play and people should not see it, it would have been banned a long time ago because there are officers on the ground every day, but because everyone is sleeping on their job, and they are busy looking for money through government deals, including the NIS officers and even a whole president."

The former DP has been critical of the NIS on multiple occasions, accusing it for laxity in terms of relaying credible intelligence to President William Ruto.

During his no-holds-barred presser in Mombasa on June 26, 2024 as DP, he demanded that NIS Director-General Noordin Haji resign over failing to gather enough intelligence that could have been used to avert the fatal demonstrations on June 25, 2024.

"6 months ago, I demanded for the resignation of the head of the NIS. It was politicized. Today I retaliate that demand. I also demand for the resignation of the IG, DCI and DG of the NIS. They have clearly failed Kenyans," Gachagua renewed his call on December 27, 2024, this time extending to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin.

Butere Girls has been at the center of media headlines and social media buzz over the past two days after voicing frustration over challenges in staging their play. The school raised concerns following the arrest of former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who authored the script.

Meanwhile, the government has raised eyebrows about politicians taking part in crafting plays for students. The play, which tackled themes like politics, leadership, and governance, sparked intense public debate, with widespread speculation that top government officials were behind its censorship.

The controversy was also linked to the arrest of the playwright, Malala, who was reportedly detained at Eldama Ravine Police Station.

On Thursday morning, Butere Girls students walked out of the festival, citing frustration and a poorly prepared stage. This came after authorities barred the public and media from entering Melvin Johns Hall Academy in Nakuru, where the performance was scheduled. 

Tensions flared further when police allegedly fired tear gas at students as they spoke to the press following their walkout.

Set in the imaginary Royal Velvet Emirates, the play delves into a society teetering on the edge, torn between an older generation holding onto tradition and a younger one pushing for progress through innovation and tech.

While the story is fictional, its themes and dialogue closely mirror Kenya’s present-day political and social landscape.