The High Court has issued orders compelling Butere Girls High School Principal Jennipher Omondi to recall 50 drama students and facilitate their participation in the National Drama Festivals, set to begin on April 7, 2025, in Nakuru County.
The directive follows the principal's decision to send the students home, allegedly after receiving a call from State House. Last week, Echoes of War was removed from the Western Regional winners' gala, and the drama club was directed to send its members home by Monday, effectively halting preparations for the National Drama Festival in Nakuru.
Despite winning at the Butere Sub-County level and securing third place at the Western Regional Drama Festivals, the school was dropped from the festival lineup and replaced by Vihiga High School, which had ranked eighth at the regional level.
The decision to bar Echoes of War from the festival prompted legal action by Anifa Mango, a former student and passionate thespian from Kisii County. "That the Honourable Court, be pleased to issue an order that the Respondent retain in school and/or recall all 50 students participating in drama festivals for their participation in the National Drama Festivals scheduled for 7th April 2025 to 15th April 2025 in Nakuru County," read Mango's petition.
