By:Glory Mwagambo
Muslim religious leaders in Kenya’s coastal Kilifi County have called on the government to review the upcoming Summertide Festival, arguing that authorities should weigh its potential social and cultural impact alongside its economic benefits.
The festival, scheduled to return for a second edition on Saturday, has become the focus of public debate after a group of Islamic leaders expressed concern that some activities associated with the event could conflict with community values and influence young people.
Speaking in Malindi, Islamic cleric and anti-drug abuse campaigner Famau Mohamed urged the government not to view the festival solely as a tourism and revenue-generating opportunity. He said officials should also consider its potential implications for local traditions, family values and social cohesion.
Mohamed said Kenya has other avenues for promoting tourism and economic growth without relying on events that, in the view of the religious leaders, could contribute to what they describe as a decline in moral standards.
The leaders stressed that they support tourism and welcome both domestic and international visitors to Kenya’s coast. However, they said they object to certain forms of entertainment, dress and behaviour they believe are inconsistent with the cultural and religious values of many communities in the region.
Islamic scholar and political analyst Shaban Maalim called on the government to ensure that approvals for major entertainment events strike a balance between economic development and the preservation of cultural identity and community welfare.
The religious leaders have appealed to authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of the festival and ensure that future decisions take into account broader public interests, including the protection of cultural heritage, community values and the wellbeing of future generations.
The organizers of the Summertide Festival and Kenyan government authorities had not publicly responded to the leaders’ remarks at the time of publication.