Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the government for the violent disruption of Butere Girls High School’s performance at the National Drama Festival, calling it an “egregious assault on democracy”.
Speaking at the Second Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture at Nairobi hotel, Kalonzo expressed outrage after police tear-gassed students and journalists in Nakuru. The incident has sparked nationwide anger, with many Kenyans demanding accountability.
Eyewitnesses said armed officers stormed the festival and fired tear gas to stop the Butere Girls from performing their play. Undeterred, the students stood their ground and sang the national anthem in defiance.
“Tear-gassing children for exercising their constitutional rights is criminal,” Kalonzo declared. “This regime has crossed the line.”
Kalonzo contrasted the incident with former President Kibaki’s legacy, recalling how he championed Kenya’s 2010 constitution – which guarantees freedom of expression.
“Kibaki believed in democracy. Today we see the opposite – a government silencing young voices,”he said.
Journalists covering the drama festival were also targeted, in violation of Article 34 of the constitution. Press freedom advocates have called the attacks a dangerous escalation.
The incident has sparked protests online, with #ButereGirlsJustice trending. Activists and opposition leaders are calling for action against those responsible.
“To the courageous students of Butere Girls: your resolve, even as you sang our National Anthem in the face of riot gear and arms, has become our renewed symbol of hope. You are the true guardians of Kenya’s future bold, unyielding, and principled,” he said.
