Malala teases new play months after drama-filled Echoes of War
By Valerian Khakayi, January 29, 2026Democracy for Citizens (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has revealed plans for a new stage production months after the drama surrounding his previous play, with Butere Girls, dubbed Echoes of War.
Speaking during an interview with a local station, Malala explained that while Echoes of War faced criticism for being too political for young minds, this time the cast in his new play will be adults rather than schoolchildren.
He further revealed that the new play, titled Who Killed Amolo?, will be showcased in a commercial theatre, marking a shift from his usual stage settings.
“I am doing a play; since they said my plays are too political for young minds, I have decided this time round to do a play with adults, which will be showcased in a commercial theatre, and that play is titled ‘Who killed Amolo?'” Malala revealed.
Return of echoes of war
The former Kakamega senator further said that there will be no part two of the play, but Kenyans can still expect to see it since he plans to showcase it.
“At some point, I will be able to showcase echoes of war that it was banned last time,” he disclosed.
Echoes of war’s drama
During the 2025 National School Drama Festivals, the country witnessed drama involving Butere Girls and Malala over the play they intended to perform.
Malala was arrested and detained following his involvement in the play that sparked national drama, while Butere Girls refused to perform at the Kenya National Drama Festivals unless their director, props, and stage properties were provided.
“I was arrested by almost fifty police officers. I was taken round to unknown places and later detained at Eldama Ravine police station for almost 12 hours, and they have not referred any charges against me, and I was released unconditionally,” Malala narrated.
He condemned the arrest as an infringement on individual rights, describing the experience as unfortunate and unjust.
However, he also expressed gratitude and hope, citing the actions of the young girls from Butere Girls’ High School as a source of inspiration.
“I want to say this is quite an unfortunate incident that infringes on our rights; today I walk out of these gates of the Eldama Ravine police station a very encouraged person because of the acts that have been displayed by the young girls of Butere Girls,” he said.
“They have exercised an act of heroic restoration. They are young girls who have shown the world that we are ready to change this country. I want to celebrate them. I want to say that whatever action is taken, I am determined to ensure that Echoes of War is performed before the Kenyan audience,” he added.