Koome, rights groups condemn police brutality against Butere Girls

By Newsflash Reporter

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Thursday joined leading human rights organisations in condemning the police brutality meted out on students from Butere Girls High School during the controversial staging of their play Echoes of War at the 2025 Kenya National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.

Koome was joined by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), all of whom expressed deep concern over what they described as an appalling abuse of authority and an assault on fundamental freedoms.

The play, which explores themes of governance, conflict, and youth empowerment, was thrust into national attention after it was temporarily withdrawn by school administrators citing rule violations, before being reinstated by court orders.

Koome said that while the rule of law must be followed, state institutions must not resort to intimidation and violence—especially against minors.

“Creative expression is not a crime. When students use art to question society, they are engaging in civic learning, not rebellion. We must protect such voices, not silence them,” she said.

However, what was to be a moment of creative celebration turned into chaos as students arrived in Nakuru only to face harassment, intimidation, and an alleged police crackdown.

KNCHR condemned the events in the strongest terms, noting the hostile environment the students encountered, including police aggression, lack of performance resources, and the absence of an audience—all of which, the commission said, undermined their right to artistic expression and equal treatment.

“The Commission is particularly alarmed by the violent conduct of law enforcement officers against students, journalists, and the shocking use of live ammunition to disperse the public,” KNCHR said in a statement. “The actions witnessed go against the National Police Service Act, which obligates police to uphold the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”

Blatant violation of rights

KNCHR highlighted that depriving the students of microphones, props, and a fair performance environment was discriminatory and a violation of Article 33 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. Further, the commission accused the police of suppressing dissent and turning a cultural competition into a site of repression.

“The play, a product of youthful creativity, was a legitimate form of social commentary. Efforts to silence it send a dangerous message about intolerance and authoritarianism,” the commission said.

It added that the firing of live bullets and harassment of journalists violated Articles 29, 34, and 35 of the Constitution, which safeguard freedom from violence, media freedom, and access to information.

FIDA and ICJ demand accountability

FIDA Kenya echoed these sentiments, calling on the National Police Service and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the officers involved and ensure accountability.

“It is unacceptable that schoolgirls were exposed to such trauma under the watch of those meant to protect them,” said a FIDA representative. “The law must be applied, and violators, regardless of rank, held to account.”

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) was equally scathing in its assessment, terming the use of tear gas around children as a violation of both national and international child protection standards.

“Children have the right to protection from harm and violence. The tear gas incident violates Article 53 of the Constitution and the Children’s Act 2022,” ICJ said.

Call for reforms and oversight

KNCHR recommended that IPOA launch a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, and that Parliament summon officials from the Ministries of Education and Interior to explain the rationale behind the police deployment and violent dispersal.

As the dust settles on the Echoes of War saga, rights defenders are calling for a renewed commitment to constitutional freedoms and the protection of children. “The creativity of our youth must be nurtured, not suppressed,” KNCHR concluded. “Freedom of expression must be protected, not punished.”