Malindi religious leaders call for ban on future Summertide festivals over moral concerns
By William Muthama, July 6, 2026Religious leaders in Malindi, Kilifi County, have called for a ban on future editions of the Summertide festival, claiming the event promotes immorality and negatively influences young people.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, July 6, 2026, Bishop Thomas Kakala of the JCC Church criticised the recently concluded youth festival, saying it was marked by conduct that undermined moral values.
He said religious leaders in the area would not support the festival being held in Malindi again.
“We are telling the security agencies and all those responsible for these matters, ukisikia wanakuja, mjue tutakuwa tumejipanga. Safari hii tulivamiwa, tukanyamaza. Lakini hatuwezi kuruhusu mji wetu uchafuliwe ni watoto wasio na nidhamu,’” Bishop Kakala said.
Bishop Kakala urged security agencies and relevant government authorities to take action to prevent similar events from taking place in the future, arguing that they pose a threat to the moral well-being of young people.
Culture concerns
Also addressing the media, Bishop Patrick Mathole said the festival was eroding African cultural values and urged the organisers not to hold it in Malindi again.
“Tunakemea jambo hili kwa sababu ni kitendo ambacho kinaharibu culture yetu. Sisi kama Wafrika hatuwezi kuchukua mambo ya Uzunguni kuya-yaleta hapa. Na mwanzilishi wa jambo hili linaloitwa Summertide, tunakwambia ya kwamba mambo hayo kokote ulikoyachukua yawe ni mwisho katika mji wa hapa Malindi. Sisi kama maaskofu tunakataa kitendo hiki,” Mathole said.
He also criticised sponsors supporting activities held on the beaches, saying, “Na wafadhili wote wanaofadhili mambo haya katika beaches zetu, pia tunawakemea na kuwakataa.”
Parents urged
Meanwhile, Pastor Macharia Gichui called on parents to take greater responsibility in guiding their children away from activities they believe undermine moral values.
“Mwito kwa wazazi wote mahali walipo, waleeni watoto wenu vizuri na mwakanye katika mambo hayo,” Gichui said.
The religious leaders said they would continue to engage with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that similar festivals are not held in Malindi in the future.
The three-day beach festival, held in Malindi, attracts thousands of revellers from across Kenya and beyond for live music performances, entertainment, beach parties and other recreational activities.
The event has grown into one of the country’s popular youth festivals,