Kapkenda Girls High School from Elgeyo Marakwet, captivated the audience by their Kiswahili play titled ‘Ndoto za Kalahari’, at the ongoing National drama festivals in Nakuru.

The play highlighted the plight of a county rich in resources, particularly oil, but whose leadership is marred by greed.

It portrayed the county of Kalahari, blessed with enough resources to sustain its residents, yet suffering due to the actions of its corrupt governor.

Rather than prioritizing the welfare of the people, the governor exploited the county’s wealth for personal gain, leaving the citizens to struggle.

Grace Wanjiku, playing the son of the governor, Nicole Akinyi, navigated the complexities of family loyalty and personal desire with impressive depth.

Kapkenda Girls High School from Elgeyo Marakwet, during their play ‘*Ndoto za Kalahari'* at the National drama festival in Nakuru on April 9,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

In a heart-wrenching scene, his parents, the governor, and his mother refuse to allow him to be with the love of his life, Fatuma, played by Daisy Kimliny. Fatuma, a determined blogger, used her platform to expose the atrocities in Kalahari County.

With tears, Wanjiku expressed not only his deep love for Fatuma but also his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people, particularly when his father refused to sign over the mining licenses, insisting that the people of Kalahari should benefit directly from the county’s resources, not just a few powerful individuals.

The governor, showcasing his control, skillfully demonstrated his dog, which was strapped to a leash, illustrating how it adhered to his every command, much to the amusement of the crowd.

He humorously remarked that the dog was so accustomed to his office schedule that it knew when it was time for a break as he casually played golf during office hours, completely ignoring the residents who had come seeking him to raise concerns about the oil mine.

Later in the day, Fesbeth High School from Kakamega County captivated the crowd with their play, ‘Depredation’, which hooked the audience, with some even peeking through the windows.

Fesbeth High School from Kakamega County dramatized their play, ‘Depredation’ during the 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru on April 9,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

The play depicted the extreme lengths people will go to in their greed for power, with students portraying the tricks up their sleeves to secure and cling to leadership positions.

In a humorous moment, Leon and Laura, played by Jomo Vincent and Yvonne Emily, respectively, are questioned about the pregnancy-like symptoms Laura has been experiencing. When asked what might have caused them, Laura jokingly suggests that Leon might be the father.

A playful scene unfolds where Leon, trying to get into character for a love letter he wrote to Laura, is surrounded by actresses holding love plaques.

The rest of the cast echoes his words- “Laura, you are the flower of my heart,” as the cast chants, “Eh! Flower.... Eh! She has elements!” while the cast humorously dramatizes the line, playfully referencing her 'lady bits.'

Fesbeth High School from Kakamega County dramatized their play, ‘Depredation’ during the 63rd National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru on April 9,2025.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

Later, it is revealed that Leon might have allegedly impregnated Laura. Upon this discovery, the school administration intervenes, jailing Leon and stripping him of his position as prefect.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bravine Luyange is set to replace Leon as the new prefect. Just as everything seems to settle, the plot takes another shocking twist when it is revealed that Laura and Leon are siblings as Luyange heads to prison, leaving the audience in stunned silence.

These and more dramatic and engaging days of performances are set to continue throughout the drama festivals till April 18, as we await to see who’ll be crowned the winner of this 63rd edition.

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