In pictures: Heavy police presence at drama festival venue

Heavy security at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru, the venue for the National Drama and Film Festivals. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

A heavy police presence has been witnessed at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru, the venue of the 63rd National Drama and Film Festival.

The controversial play  Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School is set to be staged shortly.

Only students and officials were allowed inside, while journalists were turned away. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Journalists have been barred from entering the venue and were forcibly removed after attempting to cover the performance.

The standoff at the school gates occurred despite a High Court order in Nyamira allowing the students and the scriptwriter—former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala to present the play. The State had previously banned the production.

Butere Girls arriving at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Only students and festival officials have been granted access to the venue following last night’s standoff.

Police remain stationed at the site, and journalists continue to be denied entry.