Christian religious leaders in Malindi, Kilifi County, have strongly condemned the recently held Summertide youth concert, describing it as immoral and contrary to African cultural and religious values.

Led by JCC Church Bishop Thomas Kakala, the clergy accused organizers of allowing indecent behavior during the three-day event held at Lost Beach in Malindi, claiming that some attendees were seen walking naked and engaging in acts they described as offensive to public morality.

Addressing the media, Bishop Kakala said church leaders would not allow a similar event to be held in Malindi again.

"This is totally unacceptable, and we are not going to allow this kind of madness again in Malindi. Let this message reach our security agencies and the government. Those organizers should take this madness somewhere else. We cannot allow activities that are misleading our youth and children. It is even against our culture," said Bishop Kakala.

The bishop urged security agencies and relevant government authorities to take action against organizers of events that, according to the clergy, promote immorality.

His sentiments were echoed by Bishop Patrick Mathole, who warned that religious leaders would mobilize to stop any future editions of the concert from taking place in the town.

"We cannot sit back and watch our town become a destination for activities that undermine our values. If such an event is organized here again, we will do everything within the law to ensure it does not take place," said Bishop Mathole.

Mathole alleged that some participants openly engaged in nudity and same-sex acts, describing such conduct as foreign to the traditions and values of the Coast region.

Bishop Macharia Gichui called on parents to strengthen moral guidance for their children and criticized sponsors of the event for allegedly allowing inappropriate behavior.

"Parents have a responsibility to instill discipline and moral values in their children. We also challenge sponsors and organizers to ensure events targeting young people uphold decency and respect for our society," said Bishop Gichui.

The clergy said they would formally petition the government and security agencies to ensure stricter regulation of public entertainment events in Malindi, arguing that such gatherings should not compromise public morality or the welfare of young people.

The organizers of the Summertide concert had not responded to the clergy's allegations at the time of publication.