Creatives demand artistic freedom as curtains fall on drama festivals

A section of Kenya’s leading creatives have called on the government to create a more conducive environment for artists to express themselves freely, following this year’s national film and drama festivals overshadowed by controversy.

At the centre of the storm was Butere Girls Echoes of War play that was withdrawn by students, citing discrimination and government interference following heated debates over the hard-hitting governance themes it covered.

In what many interpreted as a veiled rebuke of the playwright, former Kakakmega Senator Cleophas Malala, President William Ruto accused unnamed individuals of using the stage for political gain.

Without directly referencing the play, Ruto said, "We must protect our children from pedophiles, from drug peddlers and from those who want to corrupt them, and teach them to hate their parents, teachers, leaders or their nation.”

His public rebuke of the play has been seen by many as part of the state’s long-running history of attempts to gag the stage when it presents provocative pieces.

“Art mirrors society. Whatever we talk about is what we have,” said comedian Timothy Ndegwa alias Njugush during an interview on Citizen TV.

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Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, a former satirist with the famed Redykyulass troupe, condemned the police action against Butere Girls students, but reminded Kenyans that artistic repression isn’t new.

“Nothing is new under the sun. I want to disabuse the notion that Redykyulas had an easy ride. It was way worse than what we have today. Redykyulas ran into a lot of trouble that meant physical assault, intimidation, and being pulled off stage. At some point, the warning was very clear, you were told to either lose your education, life, or both,” said Kiarie.

While Dennis Itumbi, Head of Special Projects and Creative Economy in the President’s Office, apologised for the police action against the students, Malala was not convinced. He said President Ruto owes the girls a personal apology.

“The president disappointed me. I thought he would have started by apologising for the brutality he exercised against school children,” Malala said, adding, “The president should have added that those children also need to be protected against corrupt leaders, land grabbers, and liars. You cannot be the president and say you are protecting the students against drug peddlers but appoint two drug barons to your cabinet.”

Who wants the Grammys?

Additionally, the artists also questioned the rationale used in arriving at the decision for Kenya’s bid to host Grammy Academy African headquarters, while the arts sector continues to struggle.

“Why do we need the Grammys when our artists live from hand to mouth, scrambling for gigs?” asked Njugush.

Kenya is competing with Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa for the bid. According to Itumbi, no donation was made to the Grammy Awards. Instead, the Sh500 million is part of the bidding process and will be refunded if Kenya loses.

“There was no donation made by the Kenyan government to the Grammy Awards. Part of the bid is to pay the Sh500 million. The bid has not been decided…if we lose it, the money will be returned.”

One requirement for hosting the Grammys is having a world-class visual arts studio. Itumbi said such a facility is being constructed at Talanta Sports City.