The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the alleged use of force against Butere Girls during their scheduled performance of the play Echoes of War.
FIDA-Kenya called on the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Police Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to investigate alleged wrongful actions and misuse of power by police officers.
According to the federation, police officers interfered with the performance and endangered the lives of the children.
Fida said Ipoa must take disciplinary actions against police officers who will be found responsible for the acts.
“Ipoa should also publish a report on the outcome of the investigation since it involves children,” Fida said in a statement.
“These unfortunate actions against the students of Butere Girls violate the following constitutional provisions on the freedoms and rights of the children: Article 28, Article 33(1)(b), Article 36, Article 37, and Article 53.”
Fida further called on the Ministry of Education to ensure that Butere Girls perform the play based on the instructions set in the court order and that such violations will not recur in future events.
They asked the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to urgently assure Kenyans that children’s rights are protected as per the constitution and that they will not tolerate any violations of these rights.
FIDA-Kenya noted that the court had affirmed the students ' right to perform the play, yet the police officers continued to frustrate and intimidate them.
“Reports from top media houses confirm that the students were barred from rehearsing the play yesterday. This morning, the students were made to begin the play much earlier than the official starting time. Once in the performance hall, they were surprised to find no public address system, audience, or costumes for the performance, as should be the norm,” Fida said.
The Federation added that the students refused to perform under the circumstances and peacefully walked out of the arena.
“Once outside, police officers lobbed tear gas at the students who were now being interviewed by journalists. The chaos that followed saw the girls flee in panic, some becoming separated from their teachers and school bus.”
FIDA-Kenya affirmed its solidarity with students of Butere Girls High School, saying their courage in the face of intimidation shows the resilience and power of young women.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls and ensuring that no child in Kenya is ever subjected to such unlawful and traumatic experiences.”
