- Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala reports that 15 Butere Girls students are missing.
- The students were allegedly lost after incidents at the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru.
- Malala praises the students’ stand against police harassment during their performance.
- Calls for action to locate the missing students and ensure their safety.
On Thursday, April 10, Cleophas Malala, former UDA Secretary General, made an alarming claim regarding the whereabouts of 15 Butere Girls students. According to Malala, the students disappeared amidst the commotion that took place during the National Drama Festivals held in Nakuru County.
Malala, speaking about the situation, expressed deep concern over the students’ safety and urgently called on the police and teachers to take swift action. He emphasized the importance of locating the missing girls and ensuring they are well-protected. “I have been informed that about 15 Butere students are missing. I don’t know who took them. I urge the teachers and police officers to find them, bring them back, and ensure their safety,” said Malala.
Praise for Students’ Stand Against Police Harassment
Despite the confusion, Malala expressed admiration for the Butere Girls who took a stand earlier in the day. The students, citing police harassment, refused to perform their play “Echoes of War”. The incident occurred at Melvin Jones Lions Academy, where the girls only performed the national anthem before walking off the stage.
One of the students explained, “We were harassed by the police. They took us to the stage with nothing. We sang the national anthem and decided not to perform.” This act of defiance sparked supportive chants from the crowd, with some attendees shouting “Ruto Must Go” as they escorted the school’s bus from the venue.
Hope for a Performance Before the Festival Ends
In light of the disruption, Malala voiced his support for the students, calling them “heroes” for standing up against the injustice they faced. He praised their patriotic act and reassured the students that they would still have a chance to perform before the conclusion of the National Drama Festivals. Malala promised that efforts would be made to ensure that the girls would have the opportunity to stage their play, stating, “We will use all available means to ensure they perform before the festival ends. It is important for these children to have that chance.”
Ongoing Search for the Missing Students
As the days unfold, the search for the missing students continues. Malala’s plea for action highlights the urgency of resolving the situation while maintaining the safety of the students amidst the ongoing drama festival.
