Christian religious leaders in Kilifi County have strongly condemned the recently concluded Summertides Festival, describing the three-day beach event as immoral and incompatible with African and Christian values.
The Summertides 2026 festival was held at Lost Beach Club in Malindi from July 2 to July 4, attracting thousands of revellers from across Kenya and beyond for music, entertainment and beach activities.
Addressing the media in Malindi, clergy led by Bishop Thomas Kakala of JCC Church likened what they described as the conduct of some attendees to the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, saying the event promoted behavior that was unacceptable within the community.
Bishop Kakala said church leaders would not allow the festival to be held in Malindi again, arguing that it encouraged indiscipline and eroded moral values.
“We will not sit back and watch such activities happen again in our town,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Bishop Patrick Mathole, who alleged that some young men and women were seen walking naked during the festival, while others engaged in acts of homosexuality, which he said were contrary to the cultural and religious values of the Coast region.
Mathole vowed that the clergy would oppose any future attempts to organize the event in Malindi.
Bishop Macharia Gichui also criticized the organizers and sponsors of the festival, accusing them of allowing young people to openly engage in immoral behavior. He further urged parents to play a more active role in instilling discipline and moral values in their children.
The Summertides Festival is one of Kenya’s largest annual beach entertainment events, bringing together thousands of music lovers and tourists for live performances, DJ sets and other lifestyle experiences. The 2026 edition marked its first staging in Malindi after previous editions were held elsewhere along the Coast.
