Former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala who is the scriptwriter of “Echoes of War is a bitter man.
This is after unknown people attacked and harassed him at a club in Nakuru town on Friday night.
The same group also vandalized his four wheel drive car outside the club.
Malala was left shaken following the drama.
He reported the matter to police. Police said they are investigating the incident and no arrest has been made so far.
The car was driven to the police station for inspection as part of the probe. Police said they would pursue the matter and interrogate the management of the club.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, police said.
Some pundits believe it was politically motivated.
Witnesses said he has walked into The Space Next door Club Nakuru when the deejay announced his presence.
Some revelers started to sing anti government songs which angered others.
In the confusion, those unhappy attacked him as others vandalized his car that was parked outside.
He was later surrounded by his fans and escorted outside.
‘Echoes of War’ has been a centre of attention as its theme is on Kenya’s governance and the 2024 youth-led anti-government protests.
The play was disqualified during the Western Region Drama Festivals under unclear circumstances.
A subsequent High Court ruling overturned that decision, reinstating the play and ordering its inclusion in the national lineup.
The play was marred by fresh controversy on Wednesday when Malala was blocked from accessing Kirobon Girls. It later boiled to drama when the actors of the play Butere Girls declined to perform it citing harassment. They also demanded the release of Malala who had been arrested.
The developments have since elicited criticism from various players who feel different freedoms are being curtailed.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reiterated that the government supports free speech and is not in the business of censorship.
Murkomen said he never condemned the play ‘Echoes of War’ which was to be staged by Butere Girls students on Thursday during the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru County.
He said he only criticised the “involvement of political activists in the education of our children.”
He said the government was not in any way threatened by ‘Echoes of War’ or “any script, for that matter.”
“Like many of us I studied literature and I know the important role it plays. All I
am saying is that our teachers are best suited to handle students as per their professional training including adherence to the code of conduct,” he said.
He warned politicians against involving students in their political activities.
“I am a full supporter of freedom of speech and media so long as there is no hate, insults or glorification of crime in it,” said Murkomen.
He apologised following the tear-gassing of journalists covering rehearsals of Butere Girls’ play, ‘Echoes of War’.
He also vowed to take action against security officials who might have used excessive force to deal with the matter.
He was still reacting to a case where drama unfolded over the play.
The students refused to perform the play and instead sang the national anthem following controversy that dogged the same.
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