Kiambaa Member of Parliament John Njuguna Wanjiku has cautioned against encouraging disrespect for authority among school-going children, warning that such actions could have far-reaching effects on discipline and values in society.
Speaking on a local media station on April 15, 2025, about the ongoing controversy surrounding the play Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School, Wanjiku said while freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, it must be exercised within ethical boundaries—especially when it involves minors.
“Even if you want to talk about freedom of expression, even in your own house you have read the Constitution—you cannot allow your child to express herself in any way she wants, especially when speaking to the father,” Wanjiku stated.
The first-term legislator pointed out that as much as children are entitled to rights, there must be limits to how they express themselves, particularly in school settings.
“As a parent, there are ethical codes. You cannot tell a child, ‘because it is your right,’ there should be no rules. You put a limit, you put measures,” he added.
Politics and learners
Wanjiku took issue with former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala—who directed the controversial play—claiming he used students to drive a political message.
“Even if you want to express yourself as a leader because I think that was what Cleophas Malala wanted to do, has been achieved already, but it is unfortunate he has achieved it with innocent students,” the MP remarked.
He argued that involving learners in such political expressions sends a dangerous message that disrespect for leaders, including the president and school authorities, is acceptable.
“The moment you start showing a school-going child that you can disrespect even the Head of State, even your principal because you want to express yourself, how do you then intend to discipline these children?” Wanjiku posed.
Limiting constitutional freedoms
The first-term legislator emphasized that while constitutional freedoms are important, they must be exercised responsibly, particularly in educational settings.
“We must have some guidelines and control that freedom; control it in a responsible way,” he emphasized.
When asked whether such control might be considered repressive, Wanjiku suggested that perspective plays a role in such interpretations, stressing that school administrators ultimately bear responsibility for the conduct and development of the learners under their care.
“Even when one disciplines their children, someone may interpret it differently. But at the end of the day, as a headteacher, you are responsible for whatever happens within the school. You have been employed to take care of children,” he concluded.