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Samia dancers dominate during Alupe University festival
Ekhunjwe Group ya Abasama from Busia present a Samia dance at Alupe University on May 17, 2025
Outstanding artistic skills and performances were on display at a cultural festival in honour of the Vice-Chancellor of Alupe University, Prof. Peter Barasa.
The event, organised by Busia County Drama Festivals under the leadership of Tom Ayieko and Nairobi Regional Drama and Film Festival Chairman Vincent Akuka, featured performances by Samia dancers and renowned poets.
The Saturday festival brought together theatre lovers from Kiambu, Bungoma, Kisumu, Siaya, Nairobi, Kakamega and Eldoret, among others.
Ekhunjwe ya Abasama dancers from Busia opened the show with their dance moves in simple costumes that went down well with the audience.
Bwire Ojiambo, a dance choreographer, showcased his Samia dance performances supported by dancers Vincent Akuka, Charity Muraguri and Wycliffe Buhere.
Alupe University Vice-Chancellor Prof LP Barasa .
During the event, Prof Okumu Bigambo recited a poem while Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development CEO Prof Charles Ong'ondo presented a dholuo chant.
Prof Ong'ondo said: ''We salute your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to steering Alupe University towards academic excellence and innovation. Your tireless efforts have transformed the institution into a growing hub of knowledge, creativity and scholarly achievement.''
"We appreciate your enduring commitment to mentoring generations of teachers, artists, scholars and leaders. Your impact on the world of education, drama and music continues to inspire and uplift many," he added.
Other solo performances at the cultural festival in honour of Prof Barasa included Sirengo Khaemba, who presented a Bukusu chant and Dr Emmanuel Shikuku, who recited an oral narrative.
Prof Barasa is a seasoned thespian and administrator. He started writing and directing plays for the then Kenya National Drama Festival in the late 1970s.
In 1981, he was among those who auditioned for the role of Ekweume in Elechi Amadi's novel The Concubine. Veteran thespian Sidede Onyulo was also auditioned.
Prof Barasa has acted and directed several plays, verse and dances at the Kenya National Theatre and the Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festival.
Prof Ongondo described Prof Barasa as his mentor and supervisor during his Masters degree programme.
"If it were not for Prof Barasa, I would not be where I am now. He influenced my employment at Moi University as a research assistant and saw me rise through the ranks to become a professor," said Prof Ong'ondo.
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development CEO Prof Charles Ong'ondo (third left) celebrates with dancers from Ekhunjwe ya Abasama at Alupe University on May 17, 2025.
The Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, Mr James Indimuli, said that Prof Barasa believed in the unity of the festival by fighting to maintain university participation in the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival.
Others who praised Prof Barasa included Prof Okumu Bigambo, Vincent Akuka, Wycliffe Buhere, Oliver Minishi and Tom Ayieko.
Dr Emmanuel Shikuku, one of his mentees, said Prof Barasa had taught him vital lessons on adjudication.
Also present at the event were members of the Kenya National Music Festival Committee led by the Executive Secretary, Janet Langat, the Deputy Chairperson of the Kenya Music Festival and Dr Isaiah Oyugi.