Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has recounted his harrowing arrest and detention following his involvement in the Butere Girls’ Echoes of War, a school drama play he wrote, which has sparked national controversy.
Speaking after his release, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Malala detailed the ordeal that saw him detained for nearly 12 hours without being formally charged.
“Yesterday, I was arrested by almost fifty police officers. I was taken round to unknown places and later detained at Eldama Ravine police station for almost 12 hours, and they have not referred any charges against me, and I was released unconditionally,” Malala narrated.
Malala condemned the arrest as an infringement on individual rights, describing the experience as unfortunate and unjust.
However, he also expressed gratitude and hope, citing the actions of the young girls from Butere Girls’ High School as a source of inspiration.
“I want to say this is quite an unfortunate incident that infringes on our rights; today I walk out of these gates of the Eldama Ravine police station a very encouraged person because of the acts that have been displayed by the young girls of Butere Girls,” he said.
“They have exercised an act of heroic restoration. They are young girls who have shown the world that we are ready to change this country. I want to celebrate them. I want to say that whatever action is taken, I am determined to ensure that Echoes of War is performed before the Kenyan audience,” he added.
Malala on Butere Girls’ boycott
The former Kakamega senator expressed solidarity with the students for refusing to perform at the Kenya National Drama Festivals unless their director, props, and stage properties were provided.
Malala believes their refusal to back down is a testament to their determination and patriotism.
“I am standing in solidarity with the Butere girl students, who said that they are not going to perform not unless their director is there, not unless their props and stage properties are with them. Those girls are the heroines of this nation; they should be celebrated, and their names should be unscripted in the history of this country,” Malala stated.
Malala further revealed that they are returning to court to seek a ruling that would guarantee Butere Girls’ participation in the ongoing Drama Festivals.
“We are going back to court to ensure that the court gives an order before the drama festivals end. Butere girls must perform at the Kenya national drama festivals,” he added.