Police teargas journalists during Malala standoff at drama festival venue

Police lobbed teargas cannisters at the journalists covering the developments. [Julius Kipsang, Standard]

Tension flared at Kirobon Girls Secondary School on Tuesday after police officers reportedly teargassed and manhandled journalists covering the attempted arrest of former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.

Malala, who is also a former Kakamega Senator, had arrived at the school to supervise rehearsals for the play "Echoes of War"-a student production by Butere Girls High School slated to feature in the ongoing 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals.

He is the scriptwriter of the satirical piece, which has recently drawn national attention.

Police officers blocked Malala from accessing the school grounds and proceeded to fire multiple tear gas canisters toward members of the press who had gathered to report on the unfolding events.

The play, Echoes of War, has become the centre of controversy, with critics alleging it touches on sensitive political themes.

Malala had earlier obtained a court directive allowing him to attend the drama festival in Nakuru.

No official statement had been released by the police at the time of reporting.