President William Ruto has weighed in the controversy surrounding 'Echoes of War', a play by the Butere Girls High School that was set to be performed at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival.
The play written by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala caused controversy over claims it contained offensive anti-government themes.
Butere Girls High School decided not to perform the play after Malala was arrested and barred from meeting them ahead of the play's performance at the national drama festival.
In a statement on Sunday, April 13, President Ruto warned that the government would not tolerate any efforts by individuals to influence students negatively.
“We must equally protect all our children from pedophiles, drug peddlers, and those who want to corrupt our children and teach them to hate their parents, teachers, leaders, or their nation,” Ruto cautioned adding that the government is committed to investing in education, recognizing it as a key factor in developing Kenya’s human capital.
President William Ruto meets a clergyman during a church service at the African Inland Church (AIC) Kapng’etik, Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County on April 13, 2025. PHOTO/PCS
He committed to supporting students in nurturing their strengths, aiming to help them reach their full potential.
Among the areas he highlighted for support were the creative industry, academics, and sports.
“We must give all our children the best opportunity to be the best they can be. Every child, formal education, technical education, the creative industry, arts and sports, we must give our children the array of what they can be, said the President.
"Those who are good in academics, others are good in sports, the creative economy and the arts. My administration is going to make sure that our children get the best, and we must support them."