Talented filmmaker and storyteller Abel Mutua has voiced concerns about the future of the creative industry in the country following the controversy surrounding the Butere Girls’ Echoes of War play.
Speaking to a local radio station on Friday, April 11, 2025, Mutua argued that art serves as a tool for preserving heritage, and altering it to fit a specific narrative compromises its authenticity.
He believes that art should remain free from interference to maintain its true value.
“Art is usually a tool that pushes heritage to the next generation, and when you get to a point that you feel like you have to alter or edit a few things so that it can fit a certain narrative, then we lose authenticity. That is why art should not be interfered with, ” Mutua said.
He went on to express his worry about the back-and-forth between the government and Butere Girls over the play, noting that it might prompt some creatives to rethink their work due to growing pressure to fit certain narratives.
“I know some creative minds will start to relook at their content pieces,” he stated.
Mutua on Echoes of War
The former Tahidi High actor stated that it is unfortunate it reached that point, adding that he believes the government made a fuss over something that didn’t warrant such attention.
“It is sad that it had to get to that point. Personally, I think the government made a fuss over nothing that did not warrant it,” he said.
In addition, Mutua said that the government should have allowed the play to be staged at the national level and not proceeded to be performed at the gala at State House if necessary
“Hiyo kitu wangenyamazia ingeenda nationals itolewe hapo nationals isiende gala state house,” he added.
Butere Girls on performing
On the morning of Thursday, April 10, the students of Butere Girls stormed off the stage after singing the national anthem, without performing their play, citing harassment, intimidation, and logistical failures as reasons for their withdrawal.
“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 student said, her voice filled with pain and indignation.
According to the students, their decision to abandon the performance of their powerful play, Echoes of War, was not spontaneous but the result of days of mounting frustration and neglect by organisers.
They also expressed deep concern over the absence of their director, Cleophas Malala, who they claimed had been missing for weeks. His disappearance, they said, left them unprepared and unsupported.
“We want our director. We are not performing without our director,” several students shouted in unison.
“Where is Mr. Cleophas? We want him. We are not going back to Butere,” they said, making it clear that without his presence and proper conditions, their performance would remain indefinitely suspended.