Food donations have been suspended in 17 schools in Kilifi County following public uproar over a viral video showing pupils being led in Hindu prayers before receiving meals.
The suspension, which affects 16 primary schools and one secondary school in the Bitegeni area of Ganze Subcounty, was announced by Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwot.
He confirmed that students were being compelled to participate in religious rituals specifically Hindu chants prior to receiving food aid.
“As we speak, we have stopped all supplies from that foundation until further notice,” Biwot said. “If you want to help, do so in a good way not by forcing learners into practices that are clearly wrong, as seen in those video clips.”
According to the Commissioner, while the unnamed foundation has been providing meals to schools since 2019, the controversial requirement to recite religious prayers was introduced this third term.
He added that the change appears to have followed a meeting held in Mombasa during the August holidays, where teachers from the affected schools were briefed on a new feeding program structure.
A second viral clip intensified the backlash, showing a pupil chanting “Hare Krishna” while facing a blackboard.
In the staffroom of one of the schools, portraits associated with the Krishna Foundation were seen hanging on the walls.
The revelations have triggered widespread condemnation across the country, with many Kenyans demanding accountability and justice.
Social media users expressed their anger, with some calling for the arrest of teachers and officials involved. “The headmaster, donors, and officials enabling this should all face justice,” one user, identified as Watete, posted.
Another user, Victor Makau, blamed elected leaders for failing to intervene. “All these things happen because our MPs have completely failed. They are the ones who should be raising such issues in Parliament,” he wrote.
The Elimu Bora Working Group, an education lobby, also denounced the incident. “No child should be coerced to compromise their beliefs for food or education,” the group said in a statement.
They urged the government to implement a nationwide, unconditional school feeding program, free from religious or political influence.
Public opinion remains divided, however. While many called for firm action, others questioned the role of local charitable efforts.
“The real question is: how many African Kenyans are active in charity organisations?” asked Godfrey Kimega.
“It’s easy to criticise someone else who is addressing the needs on the ground.”
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and the suspension of food aid will remain in effect until the matter is fully resolved.
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