Alex Mwakideu calls out Summertide hypocrisy of Malindi residents

Media personality Alex Mwakideu has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding the recently concluded SummerTides festival in Malindi, urging residents to view the event through the lens of changing times rather than condemning an entire generation.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Mwakideu addressed the backlash that followed the festival, where some attendees were accused of engaging in inappropriate behaviour in public. The controversy has sparked calls from some leaders for the event to be banned.

According to Mwakideu, many residents claimed they had never witnessed such scenes before, with some likening the festival to biblical tales of moral decay.

“Wengi wamehojiwa Malindi wakasema jamani, vitu walioona Malindi wakati wa Summertides wamasema hawajawai kuona tangu ulimwengu uumbwe. Sodoma na Gomorah ilipelekwa Malindi. Sasa wanasema wamechoka,” Mwakideu said.

He noted that critics argue the festival tarnished Malindi’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful tourist destination known for its culture and hospitality.

“Wanasema mwache Malindi yetu iko na ustaarabu. Iko na waturisti. Wanasema hii ya Summertides imevuka mpaka,” he added.

Mwakideu urges a shift in perspective

Despite the criticism, Mwakideu encouraged residents of both Malindi and Lamu to embrace the realities of a new generation, saying youth culture and entertainment have evolved globally.

He argued that festivals and social events are now a significant part of modern lifestyles and should be understood within that context.

“Mimi nawaambia ndugu zangu wa Malindi na Lamu, change your thinking. Saa hizi tuko na kizazi kipya na kiko ulimwengu mzima. Sisi tunafuata burudani na sherehe,” he said.

Calls to ban SummerTides

Mwakideu’s comments come amid mounting criticism from Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, who has called for SummerTides to be outlawed if reports of indecent conduct during the event are verified.

Mosiria expressed concern over viral videos allegedly recorded during the festival, questioning why such behaviour was being tolerated in public spaces.

“Summer Tides should be banned completely in Kenya. How can our young people openly engage in sexual acts in public spaces, and nobody is talking about it?” Mosiria said.

He also urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring where their children go and the activities they participate in, saying young people attending large entertainment events require proper guidance.

The differing views from Mwakideu and Mosiria have added momentum to the ongoing national conversation about youth culture, public conduct and the future of large-scale entertainment festivals in Kenya.