Dennis Itumbi Apologizes to Butere Girls After Teargas Incident in Nakuru

• Apr 17, 2025

Dennis Itumbi, the head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, has publicly apologized to Butere Girls High School’s drama club for the mistreatment they faced during the National Drama Festivals in Nakuru. Appearing on live TV on April 16, Itumbi expressed regret over the incident, hoping that the students were watching. He acknowledged that the government mishandled the situation and promised that the full force of the government would address the matter.

The controversy surrounding the Butere Girls drama team began when they decided not to perform their play, Echoes of War, during the festival. Reports indicated that the students were faced with several issues that made it impossible for them to continue their performance. They were reportedly denied essential props, given a poor sound system, and found the audience locked out, which they considered unfair after making it to such a prestigious stage. In response, the girls sang the national anthem, walked off the stage, and never returned, sparking mixed reactions from the public.

The situation escalated when the students, after returning to their bus, were followed by a large crowd chanting anti-Ruto slogans. This caused a commotion, and security forces, dissatisfied with the disruption, fired tear gas at the group. Unfortunately, the gas was deployed in an enclosed area, affecting the students. Some of the girls were visibly distressed, struggling to breathe from the fumes, which further added to the heartache of many observers.

On the live TV show, Itumbi apologized for both the tear gas incident and the failure to manage the situation properly. As a former performer, he sympathized with the students, acknowledging their hard work and the disappointment of not being able to perform. He denied claims of retribution against the school's teachers, suggesting that any issues might have been internal.

Cleophas Malala, the former UDA secretary-general and a member of the event's panel, could be heard laughing in disbelief at Itumbi’s apology, casting doubt on the sincerity of the gesture.

The drama students from Butere Girls returned to their school in Kakamega County shortly after the incident. Despite initial reports claiming that 15 students were missing, they were safely escorted back by police vehicles, though their exact whereabouts prior to their return were not confirmed.