‘They Are So Traumatized!’ – ACK Butere Diocese Bishop Speaks After Student’s Arrival
Bishop Rose Okeno of the Anglican Church of Kenya’s Butere Diocese has stated that the students who returned from Nakuru will require psychological support as a result of the events that occurred during the theater festivals.
Bishop Okeno confirmed that all of the girls had returned safely.
The school bus transporting the girls was led back to Butere on Thursday under strict protection.
Speaking to the media following a church service with the pupils, Bishop Okeno stated that they had seen significant evidence of trauma and anguish among the students who had been affected by the tumultuous scenes in Nakuru.
Following the dramatic circumstances, the pupils returned to the institution on Thursday evening and were then led to ACK Butere Church for special prayers, accompanied by a group of parents and teachers.
Butere girls undergo special prayers along with their teachers & parents at the school.
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) April 11, 2025
Archbishop Okeno has called for calm to be maintained during this difficult time & has called for the students to receive counselling.@dennisaseto#NewsDesk pic.twitter.com/n6nZDuZqlW
“We just had a service with them, we have encouraged them because we know and believe that is our role as spiritual leaders and as a mother in this case like I told them in the church,” Bishop Okeno said.
“We have observed that they (students) are so hurt, they are actually traumatised, they are crying, when you look at each face, they are so devastated. We pray that God in his mercy will cause healing,” she said.
The students had previously declined to perform the controversial play “Echoes of War” in order to seek the release of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, who is alleged to have penned and directed the production.
READ MORE:
- Gachagua Hosts Linturi, Meru Leaders In Wamunyoro
- EPRA: New Rules Electricians MUST Follow In Kenya
- Education Ministry Issues Special Teachers Course Recruitment Programme
- EXPLAINED: How Bursaries Will Be Issued
- Senator Omtatah Withdraws Petition Against Uhuru, Ruto Over Kenya’s Public Debt
The school had initially been barred from producing the Gen Z-themed play because its topic criticized the government.
The court, however, lifted the ban on April 3, allowing them to participate when Justice Wilfrida Okwany stopped any letter prohibiting or preventing the school from participating in the festival.
The play centres on a nation recovering from a civil war, with young citizens at the forefront of rebuilding efforts and critiques the role of digital spaces in governance and the power of youth in shaping societal change.
It blends tradition, religion, and futuristic elements to dramatize a generational conflict simmering beneath the surface of many modern societies.
‘They Are So Traumatized!’ – ACK Butere Diocese Bishop Speaks After Student’s Arrival
