- Cleophas Malala’s play Shackles of Doom faced a ban in 2013 for addressing the topic of natural resource inequality.
- Malala’s involvement with student plays has been seen as politically charged, especially his work with Butere Girls High School.
- His latest play, Echoes of War, is a political drama inspired by the Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill.
- Echoes of War could lead to a performance before President Ruto if Butere Girls succeed in the competition.
In April 2013, Cleophas Malala became the center of a controversy when his play Shackles of Doom was banned by the Butere District Education offices. The play, which was performed by Butere Girls High School, highlighted the issue of natural resource distribution, a topic that was seen as politically sensitive at the time. The authorities believed the play’s content could potentially incite hate speech, leading to its disqualification from the national drama competition.
Despite its ban, Shackles of Doom became a symbol of defiance, sparking debates about the role of art in addressing critical social issues. For Malala, this marked the beginning of a long-standing association with politically controversial school plays.
A Continuing Legacy of Political Drama
Fast forward to 2025, and Malala’s legacy in writing politically charged plays continues. His latest creation, Echoes of War, draws inspiration from the Gen Z-led protests against the controversial Finance Bill. Much like his earlier work, Echoes of War has sparked debate, with critics accusing Malala of using student performers as political tools.
The play is centered on the Maandamanos protests that shook the country, with Malala positioning Butere Girls High School’s performance as a political statement. If the girls win the competition, they could be required to perform the play in front of President Ruto at State House. This raises significant concerns about the appropriateness of using students to express political viewpoints.
The Debate: Political Manipulation or Artistic Expression?
The use of students to perform politically charged plays has led to ongoing debate. While Malala’s plays certainly address important social issues, the line between artistic expression and political manipulation becomes blurred. Critics argue that Malala has consistently used student performances as a way to push his political agenda, starting with Shackles of Doom and continuing with Echoes of War.
In both cases, the plays raised important questions about resource distribution and political activism. However, the involvement of young performers in politically sensitive content has raised eyebrows. Are these plays truly a form of artistic expression, or are the students being used as instruments for Malala’s political battles?
From the controversial Shackles of Doom in 2013 to Echoes of War in 2025, Cleophas Malala has built a reputation for writing plays that stir political conversation. His relationship with Butere Girls High School has become central to these debates, as the students continue to perform plays that tackle contentious issues.
As Malala’s influence in political drama continues, the question remains: Is it ethical to involve students in political performances? While Malala’s work undeniably addresses pressing social issues, his critics argue that using students in this way is unacceptable. It’s clear that Malala’s plays will continue to spark controversy for years to come.
