Governor George Natembeya has asked government not to suppression freedom of expression through art, as it exposes their insecurity to the people. Photo: George Natembeya X.
Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya has condemned the attack on players of Echoes of War, Butere Girls’ High School students in Nakuru, saying no child should experience fear while expressing talent.
He said the event was regrettable, as art is meant to reflect society in an artistic form, and not a threat to the leaders.
“No child should ever be made to feel fear for expressing their innate talents through arts. Drama is meant to reflect the society, not a threat,” Natembeya stated.
According to Natembeya, leaders should see the performance in art as feedback from Wananchi, on how they feel about their leadership, as a good play must reflect the reality of the government of the day, and instead should be at the forefront of championing for freedom of expression.
“A good play must reflect reality, and we in leadership positions should understand that it is one way of getting feedback from the people. That this is how our people feel about issues. We should encourage freedom of expression,” he further stated.
The controversial play Echoes of War, was written by former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who was blocked from accessing the venue, and was held at a police station in Eldama Ravin.
Natembeya further stated that once the population feels like they are being suppressed, they look for means to express themselves, and the expression could be uncontrollable.
“We are creating a mountain out of an anthill! The government should not feel insecure that we are afraid of our children, whom you said cannot take you out of government are the ones scaring the government? This could lead to other tactics, since the government already showed they are easy to scare ,” he stated.
He faulted the government for failing to take opposing views, and only the government’s view counting, saying he will not allow and it will not happen as it is a different time.
“This government is headed towards dissenting opposing views and the only views accepted are those from government. I want to assure you that that will not happen as we are past that as a democracy,” he affirmed.
However, Education CS Julius Migos dismissed claims that the girls were stopped from presenting their play, as they demanded the presence of their director Cleophas Malala, after decline to perform with no audience in the hall.
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