Ruto Takes On Politicians Over 'Echoes of War' Play [VIDEO]

President William Ruto on Sunday, April 13, warned political leaders against using children to push their own agendas, particularly in ways that might make them hate their own country.

The Head of State was speaking during an interdenominational church service in Kapng’etik, Elgeyo Marakwet County, his remarks coming amidst raging debate sparked by the contentious treatment of the Butere Girls High School play, Echoes of War, which has led to widespread backlash against government agencies.

The president cautioned against individuals he accused of attempting to manipulate and mislead the youth. He emphasized the need to shield children from harmful influences that promote hate and division.

“We must equally protect all our children from pedophiles, drug peddlers, and those who want to corrupt our children and teach them to hate their parents, teachers, leaders, or their nation. We must protect our children from those,” the head of state said.

We must equally protect all our children from pedophiles, drug peddlers, and those who want to corrupt our children and teach them to hate their parents, teachers, leaders, or their nation- President Ruto#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/eXlvzjLRHb — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) April 13, 2025

“We must give all our children the best opportunity to be the best they can be. Every child, formal education, technical education, the creative industry, arts, and sports: we must give our children the array of what they can be.

"Those who are good in academics, others are good in sports, the creative economy, and the arts. My administration is going to make sure that our children get the best, and we must support them,” he continued.

The President defended his administration’s position as controversy swirled around the staging of Echoes of War, a play written and directed by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.

What started as a routine edition of the Kenya National Drama Festivals on Thursday quickly escalated into a national flashpoint after the Butere Girls' production, which had successfully progressed through local and regional stages, was abruptly disqualified at the Western Region Drama Festivals under murky circumstances.

A court later overturned the decision, reinstating the play and ruling in favor of the school. However, the situation intensified in Nakuru when Malala, who had shown up to support the students, was dramatically arrested by armed police and senior DCI officers.

He was blocked from accessing the students and held overnight in multiple police stations. "Other schools are being allowed to train; why are you denying Butere Girls a chance to train? They have been locked inside there like prisoners," Malala was captured protesting to a police officer outside Kirobon Girls High School.

The following day, students from Butere Girls High School declined to perform their play, Echoes of War, at the national drama festivals held in Nakuru after being given a green light under strict conditions. The students said they had faced harassment, neglect, and intimidation from authorities, leading to their decision to pull out.

“We were harassed by the police. We went to the stage with nothing — no sound, no décor, nothing. So we sang the national anthem and left,” one of the students said, visibly livid.

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