ODM’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, has issued a scathing critique of a recent school play titled Echoes of War, authored by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and performed by Butere Girls High School during the national drama festivals. Etale claims the play crosses the line between artistic expression and political indoctrination, accusing its creators of using students as pawns to settle personal scores.
“Radicalization of learners through drama and creative arts is not good. Learners are supposed to be taught good morals and not be used to settle personal scores,” said Etale in a statement posted on social media.
Echoes of War, which has sparked heated public debate, is said to tackle themes of political betrayal, violence, and power struggles — all set against the backdrop of Kenya’s evolving political landscape. While some have praised the production for its boldness and artistic brilliance, others, like Etale, see it as dangerously political and inappropriate for a school setting.
Etale pointed an accusing finger at Malala, the current UDA Secretary General, suggesting that the play was designed to subtly attack his political rivals and advance partisan narratives at the expense of young, impressionable minds.
“We must protect our children from being used as tools in political wars. There is a clear line between educating through drama and manipulating learners into carrying political messages,” Etale warned.
He called on the Ministry of Education and the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival officials to vet performances more carefully, especially those that appear to carry political undertones or propagate divisive content.
The criticism highlights the growing tension between freedom of expression in the arts and the need to safeguard the moral and ideological development of students in schools. While theatre has long been a platform for confronting social and political issues, Etale believes such engagement must be handled with care, especially in educational environments.
Cleophas Malala has yet to publicly respond to Etale’s remarks, but the debate continues to gain momentum, with Kenyans divided on whether the play crossed ethical boundaries or simply held a mirror to society.
As the drama festivals remain a powerful platform for youth expression, Etale’s sentiments raise a crucial question: how far is too far when politics, education,and the arts collide?
