We're not threatened nor in the censorship business, Murkomen on Echoes of War controversy

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed reports that the government is ‘threatened’ by Echoes of War, the controversial play by Butere Girls High School.

Instead, Murkomen says that the government supports freedom of speech.

Speaking in Tana River County on the fifth day of his Jukwaa la Usalama county tour, the CS clarified that he did not condemn the play, which was scheduled for performance during the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru on Wednesday.

He said his concern was not the play itself but the involvement of political figures in the education space.

“Like many of us, I studied literature, and I know the important role it plays. All I am saying is that our teachers are best suited to handle students as per their professional training including adherence to the code of conduct,” said Murkomen.

Murkomen further said that the government does not engage in censorship.

“I am a full supporter of freedom of speech and media—as long as it does not promote hate, insults, or the glorification of crime,” he said.

He also warned politicians against using students to advance political agendas and pledged accountability for any security officers who may have used excessive force during the drama festival incident in Nakuru.

On Thursday, Murkomen however, questioned the involvement of Cleophas Malala with Butere Girls, calling out leaders who, he accused of using students to settle political scores.

"Let us have a clear line between politics and education. Let us spare our innocent school kids from this. Let’s not allow political competition to come into play in the education arena. I assure parents and the nation that we will not allow interference with education.”

He further questioned how a politician was allowed to write a play for students, saying teachers are guided by the curriculum—something he claimed was not followed in the case of Echoes of War.