Fast-rising Kenyan digital content creator Marya Okoth has come forward to reveal that she once served as the drama chairlady at Butere Girls High School.
This revelation comes as social media in Kenya comes to a standstill following the viral controversy surrounding the school’s ‘Echoes of War’ stage play, which was initially banned from progressing to the national stage, only to be subjected to harsh conditions when the ban was later lifted.
In a heartfelt post on her Instagram on April 10, 2025, Marya, who recently parted ways with her long-time lover, YY comedian, shared that she deeply empathised with the struggles the students were enduring.
She made it clear that the school’s drama club and the environment it provided played a crucial role in shaping her into the person she is today, giving the institution the recognition it deserves.
“As the former drama chairlady during my time, I can imagine the fear these kids are experiencing. This school moulded me,” she posted.
Occupy Nakuru
In a follow-up Instagram story, Marya went on to voice her deep concern over the ordeal that had befallen the school, even declaring her readiness to travel there in person to offer the girls her support.
She went as far as inviting anyone else who was willing to accompany her on the journey to Nakuru, where the drama festivals—currently in their 63rd edition—are underway.
“Ahh, who’s free to join me? Let’s head to Nakuru,” she shared.
In her posts, Marya also included a viral video of the girls stepping off the bus to protest, just hours after they staged a dramatic showdown, singing the national anthem instead of presenting the highly anticipated play.
The girls were heard shouting, accusing the police of harassment, which they claimed was the main reason they could not perform.
“They harassed us and took us to the stage with nothing,” one of the students said.
Trouble
The drama began when Butere Girls secured third place at the Western Region Drama Festivals, but, due to the play’s politically sensitive themes, was banned from advancing to the national stage. Their spot was instead handed to Vihiga High School, which had initially placed seventh.
However, their director, Cleophas Malala, managed to obtain a court order that lifted the ban. From that point, the controversies spiralled, with the students on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, being denied access to one of the rehearsal halls at Melvin Jones Lions School in Nakuru.
Malala, who was supposed to rehearse with the students, was later barred from entering the premises, leading to a chaotic scene where police fired tear gas.
According to Malala, he was arrested and taken to Eldama Ravine Police Station, where he was detained for nearly 12 hours without being formally charged.
“Yesterday, I was arrested by almost fifty police officers. I was taken to various unknown places and later detained at Eldama Ravine Police Station for almost 12 hours, and they haven’t referred any charges against me. I was released unconditionally,” Malala explained.
Malala condemned the arrest as an assault on individual rights, describing the experience as both regrettable and unjust. Despite this, he expressed gratitude and renewed hope, drawing strength from the actions of the students at Butere Girls’ High School.
“I want to say that this is quite an unfortunate incident that infringes on our rights. Today, I walk out of these gates at Eldama Ravine Police Station a much more encouraged person because of the courageous acts displayed by the young girls of Butere Girls,” he said.
“They’ve shown an act of heroic restoration. These girls have demonstrated to the world that we’re ready to transform this country. I want to celebrate them. Whatever happens, I am determined to ensure that Echoes of War will be performed before the Kenyan audience,” he added.
Malala on Butere Girls’ Boycott
The former Kakamega senator expressed unwavering solidarity with the students for their decision to boycott the Kenya National Drama Festivals unless their director, props, and stage properties were provided. Malala believes their refusal to back down is a powerful testament to their patriotism and resolve.
“I stand in solidarity with the Butere girls, who said they will not perform unless their director is present and unless their props and stage properties are with them. These girls are the heroines of this nation. They should be celebrated, and their names should be engraved in the history of this country,” Malala stated.
Malala also revealed plans to return to court to secure a ruling that would ensure Butere Girls’ participation in the ongoing Drama Festivals.
“We are returning to court to ensure that the court issues an order before the Drama Festivals conclude. Butere Girls must perform at the Kenya National Drama Festivals,” he added.