President William Ruto, First lady Rachel Ruto and Education CS Julius Ogamba winners of the 63rd Kenya National Drama And Film Festival 2025 were hosted for a State Concert at the State House, Nakuru, on April 16, 2025.
President William Ruto on Wednesday once again waded into the controversy surrounding the much-publicised Echoes of War drama, warning that the government will deal firmly and decisively with those seeking to corrupt the minds of young learners.
President Ruto issued the warning while hosting the winners of the 2025 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at State House, Nakuru, in a colourful State Concert that brought together some of the country's most outstanding young creatives.
In his speech, the President indirectly addressed the controversy surrounding Echoes of War, a student play that was not staged at this year's Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru despite having qualified.
The play was authored by politician-cum-playwright Cleophas Malala, a former Kakamega Senator.
“There is more to celebrate as a country than negativity. As President, I will not allow this beautiful country to go down the drain because of leaders who want to satisfy their selfish agenda. I ask politicians to leave learners alone and take their politics elsewhere. We are ready for them in the political arena,” he warned.
Kenyenya TTC presents a Creative Cultural Dance during the State Concert hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nakuru on April 16, 2025.
The event featured stellar performances from top schools that dominated this year's drama festival, including Moi High School Mbiruri, Kanyuombora High School, and Kangaru High School.
Their captivating productions were staged before an audience that included dignitaries, senior government officials, educators, and the Head of State.
"Radicalisation of children"
“As leaders, parents, and teachers, we will not allow the minds of our children to be corrupted by anyone. We must protect our children from paedophiles, drug peddlers, and predators who want to corrupt them with negative ethnicity and negative politics. We will deal with such people decisively,” said President Ruto.
President Ruto said the government would not stand by and allow children to be wasted or radicalised by people with selfish interests.
“I urge parents and teachers to continue supporting learners in sports, arts, and academics to enable them to realise their dreams. We must give our children the best range of opportunities to discover their potential—whether in academics, sports, the creative economy, or the arts,” said Ruto.
“My administration is going to ensure that our children get the best education in all institutions of learning. Teachers, instructors, and education managers must ensure that every child in every school, TVET, college, or university receives quality education, because education is the great equaliser and sharpens the country’s greatest asset—human capital,” he stated.
Artar Girls High School presents a cultural dance during the State Performances hosted by President William Ruto at State House Nakuru on April 16, 2025.
Ruto revealed that following a directive he issued in 2023, 470 drama teachers have been promoted by the Teachers Service Commission.
“My administration will continue investing in educational and technical institutions to bring out the potential that exists in learners,” he added.
His remarks come just days after Butere Girls High School staged a protest following the arrest of Echoes of War author and director Cleophas Malala in Nakuru. The students boycotted their performance as tensions escalated.
On April 10, Butere Girls High School learners arrived at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru under tight police guard but refused to perform, demanding the release of Mr Malala.
Dozens of heavily armed anti-riot police officers were deployed at the entrance and around the venue to prevent media and audience access.
The Butere Girls students only sang the National Anthem before leaving the stage in protest.
Minutes later, agitated police officers lobbed teargas canisters to disperse a crowd protesting the treatment of the Butere Girls students outside Melvin Jones Academy. The learners, caught in the chaos, were forced to flee and rushed back to their school bus.
The tear-gassing of the learners sparked national uproar, triggering widespread condemnation from human rights groups, legal bodies, politicians, and the public.
Police later escorted the learners all the way to Butere High School in Kakamega.
