Religious leaders gathered at Lost Beach in Malindi to hold prayers for what they described as the restoration of purity and moral values, days after the controversial Summer Tides festival attracted widespread public attention.
The religious leaders said they were praying against what they termed the “spirit of prostitution”, “sexual immorality” and “sodomy”, claiming such practices had taken place during the beach event. They also prayed against public nudity and urged residents to protect the moral fabric of the coastal community.
“We came to curse the spirit of prostitution and the spirit of sodomy that happened here. We cannot allow our community to lose its morals.”
During the prayer gathering, some clergy members issued strong warnings against anyone who would organise, finance or promote future editions of the festival. They prayed that those involved would face consequences, saying Malindi should instead experience restoration.
One religous leader urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, saying many of those attending such events are young adults who are still vulnerable to negative influences.
The prayers followed intense public discussion surrounding the Summer Tides festival, which generated significant attention on social media after videos from the beach circulated online.
While supporters described the event as entertainment and youth culture, critics argued that some activities promoted behaviour inconsistent with community values.
Mixed reactions online
The prayer gathering itself quickly became a topic of discussion across social media, with Kenyans expressing sharply divided opinions.
Some users supported the pastors’ actions.
- Kamakia: “Amen!!”
- _.jo.wrld: “Sometimes, talk seriously; you’ll never know the negative energy some things carry.”
- quinton623_: “Organiser alaniweee.”
- _edus.unleash: “It looks funny, but it’s serious, guys… mtalaaniwa.”
- riley_mwaliko: “Wahuni sio watu wazuri.”
Others questioned the effectiveness of the prayers or viewed the event as symbolic.
- stakabaddie: “So performative.”
- bakary_jay_kennie: “Hawa nao wana-overdo; it’s never that serious.”
- john_mufunga_odede: “Sinners cursing other sinners for sinning differently.”
- kushte_again: “Ni njaa inawasumbua.”
Many users responded with humour.
“Next year, same place, same time.” — _richie.wess
“Kenya is a very interesting country.” — _markantony
Others joked about the timing of the prayers.
- bennar_254_mitumba_bales: “Wamechelewa, wangekuja mapema.”
- maxwell_ke_: “Next time wakuje waombe kwa event ndio ianze.”
Public debate continues
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing debate between religious groups advocating for conservative social values and young people embracing modern entertainment events.
