Chief Justice Martha Koome has raised concern over the disobedience of court orders in the drama surrounding the Butere Girls play, Echoes of War.
In a statement dated Thursday, April 10, the CJ noted that the court in Kisii had issued directives to the school and festival organisers to allow the students to stage their play.
She expressed concern over the incident, further reminding state organs to respect court orders.
"What transpired today raises grave concerns about the extent to which those orders of the High Court were respected and complied with. It is a foundational principle of our constitutional democracy that all persons and institutions, including State organs, State officers, and public officials, are bound by and must obey court orders.
"I wish to make it clear to all state organs, state officers, and public officers that respect for court orders is not optional," read the statement in part.
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In the meantime, the Chief Justice condemned the teargassing of students amid a public uproar among Kenyans.
"Even more troubling are reports of the use of force and violence against school-going children in the course of these events. Such actions raise serious constitutional questions about respect for the dignity, rights, and welfare of children, who enjoy special protection under the Constitution, the Children Act, and international human rights instruments," she added.
Butere Girls has been the center of attention in the last two days after the students refused to perform at the drama festivals, citing frustrations.
This was after the playwright, former UDA SG Cleophas Malala, was arrested and refused access to the venue.
On its part, the government has read mischief in Malala's involvement in the school play.
"Ask yourself, as a Kenyan, how is it possible that we have reached a level where a politician has become the writer of a play for students. He is using the students for politics," CS Kipchumba Murkomen expressed.
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