Butere Girls High School principal has issued a show cause letter to a teacher over alleged alterations to the play Echoes of War.
In a letter seen by the Star, the Principal claimed that the teacher had changed the script.
The Principal wants the teacher to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken.
In the letter dated March 25, a disciplinary action is being considered against the teacher who allegedly altered the script to include anti-government content during the Regional Drama Festivals.
The school’s chief principal states that the teacher deviated from the approved script originally presented at the County Level Festival held at Bulimbo Girls High School on March 18, 2025.
According to the letter, the revised version performed at the Regional Drama Festival at Chavakali High School on March 22 included unauthorised scenes.
The principal specifically cited scenes where student actors displayed banners and placards bearing slogans such as "Occupy Space", "SHA", and "Cash Cow", which she claimed reflected anti-government sentiments.
“You are therefore asked to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for altering the original script to make the play reflect anti-government themes,” the letter reads in part.
The teacher has been given seven days to respond in writing or face unspecified further disciplinary action.
The letter has also been copied to key officials, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Secretary, TSC County and Sub-County Directors, and the school’s Board of Management (BOM) chairperson.
The incident has sparked conversations on censorship, creative expression, and the place of political commentary in school-based performances.
The controversy surrounding the play, which delves into themes of governance, technology, and youth activism, intensified when it was initially banned from the festival.
The ban was later lifted by the High Court, allowing the performance to proceed.
However, tensions escalated when the play's writer, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, was reportedly detained by police, leading to a boycott by the students who demanded his presence before performing.
He was later released.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen clarified that the government had no issue with the play itself but expressed concerns over political figures' involvement in student activities.
He emphasised the importance of keeping education free from political interference and assured that any misconduct by officials would be addressed.
