VIDEO: Malindi pastors curse Summertides festival, declare it must never return

Local church leaders and clergy held a prayer gathering at Malindi beach to condemn the recent Summertides Festival, claiming the youth music event promoted immorality and negative spiritual influences in the coastal town.

In a viral video seen by TNX Africa, pastors from Jesus Celebration Centre (JCC) Malindi, led by Bishop Thomas Kakala, gathered at the beach where the three-day festival was held. The clergy strongly criticised the event's organisers, sponsors and attendees.

During the prayers, Bishop Kakala called for divine judgment on anyone who organises or finances similar festivals in Malindi in future. He also criticised those who distributed condoms during the event.

"Yeyote atakayeleta Summertides au tamasha kama hili hapa, na alaaniwe mbele za Mungu. Wote watakao finance maovu kama haya, hazina zao zilaaniwe mbele za Mungu," Bishop Kakala declared.

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The church leaders also performed a symbolic act by scooping up handfuls of sand and letting it fall back onto the beach, saying they were cleansing the area of negative spiritual influences.

Other clergy likened the festival to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, praying for protection over the town's youth and asking that future businesses be led by people of integrity.

"We know that what happened in Malindi was like Sodom and Gomorrah. Almighty Father, we come and repent. Forgive us all the sexual immorality that happened here in Malindi. We ask that you have mercy upon us and let the spirit of sexual immorality die in Jesus' name," Pastor Dan prayed.

Pastor Nzola added, "We call upon all the youths who were involved in this festival and the owners and planners of the event. From today we declare that there will be no Summertides in Malindi. We declare restoration over Malindi and break every demonic tie that was established here."

The prayer gathering came just days after the Summertides Festival concluded. The event, which relocated from Diani to Malindi this year, attracted thousands of visitors, boosting the local economy by filling hotels and holiday rentals and prompting airlines to schedule additional flights.

However, the festival also sparked nationwide debate. While many business owners welcomed the economic benefits, videos circulating on social media showing heavy drinking and partying drew criticism from some Kenyans, fuelling discussions about morality and public conduct.