Kericho Governor Mutai slams Malala over controversial school play

Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai during the Tea Reforms Conference in Kericho County on June 6, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has hit out at Echoes of War playwright Cleophas Malala, labelling him a 'mamluki', a Swahili term for mercenary, accusing him of exploiting the play to push a personal agenda.

Mutai accused Malala of taking Butere Girls High School students to the drama festivals despite not being qualified to do so.

He cited regulations requiring that only registered teachers under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) accompany students to such events.

''Regulations are very clear. Each time students leave the school, they must be accompanied by a registered TSC teacher so that in case of misbehaviour or anything happens to the children, they are responsible," he said.

''When I was a drama teacher way back, Malala was one of the 'Mamluki' we worked with. I trained him when he was a nobody, with no TSC registration and there is no way he will now claim to take girls to the play,'' the governor added.

Mutai made the remarks during the burial of former Chepalungu MP and Cabinet Minister John Koech in Bomet County. He also criticised the principal of Butere Girls, calling her "irresponsible."

"I get concerned when people say the principal should not be transferred or this should not happen. People must be responsible for their actions. For you to be the head of an institution, you must have read the script first."

Quoting a book, he offered a parting shot at Malala: "It is possible to say what you want but in a clever way- not in a manner that exposes children."

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also weighed in, appearing to take a veiled swipe at Malala and others behind the play.

''We do not want leaders who create chaos just to seek sympathy," said Murkomen.