Editor's Review

“I have just been informed that out of the Butere students who came, about fifteen of them are missing."

Former UDA Party Secretary General Cleophas Malala has claimed that 15 students from Butere Girls are missing.

Speaking on Thursday, April 10, Malala said he had been informed that the girls were missing following the chaos that ensued during the National Drama Festivals held in Nakuru County.

Malala called on the police and teachers to look for the missing students and ensure they are safe.

“I have just been informed that out of the Butere students who came, about fifteen of them are missing. I don’t know who took these children. I would like to ask the teachers and police officers who were responsible for protecting them to look for them, bring them back, and ensure they are safe," said Malala.

At the same time, the former Kakamega Senator hailed the Butere Girls students after they declined to perform the Echoes of War play.

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Screengrab image of Butere Girls students.

Malala expressed confidence that the students would still have a chance to perform before the conclusion of the National Drama Festivals.

"I am celebrating those children; they have become heroines in our country. They have done a patriotic act, and I would like to tell them that they still have the opportunity to perform that play. We are going to ensure that we have used all means before this festival ends so that those children perform because it is very important,” said Malala.

Update of the 15 Missing Butere Girls 

In an update, after Malala was released, Malala said that all the girls had been accounted for adding that the students had taken themselves to their camp. 

"There was a report that 15 girls from Butere Girls' were missing, but I want to assure all parents that they have all been accounted for. I have a very competent cast from Butere Girls," Malala stated. 

The students on Thursday morning refused to perform their play, citing police harassment, and demanded the presence of Malala, who is their director in the play.

The girls only sang the national anthem before walking off the stage at Melvin Jones Lions Academy.

“We were harassed by the police; they took us to the stage with nothing. We sang our national anthem and said we are not going to perform,” one of the girls stated.

The decision triggered chants of 'Ruto Must Go' from a section of attendees and supporters, who were captured on video escorting the school's bus from the venue.