Government officials in Kilifi have indefinitely suspended a relief food program run by a private organization in Ganze after a viral video showed pupils being compelled to recite Hindu prayers before receiving meals. The program had been feeding learners in at least 17 schools.
Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Kibiwott confirmed the suspension, stating that an investigation into the matter has already been launched. He said the government could not allow learners to be subjected to religious practices as a condition for accessing food.
The amateur video, widely circulated on social media, showed pupils in Ganze gathered in large numbers, chanting Hindu prayers before being served food. In some cases, head teachers were recorded directing the learners to follow the routine. Other clips depicted pupils praying in secluded areas before meals.
Following a day-long meeting with the County Education Team, Kibiwott ordered the suspension of the program linked to Krishna Children’s Foundation. “Tumesimamisha hiyo Krishna Children’s Foundation from supplying food to our schools because tuliona sio nzuri. Kama unataka kusaidia, saidia kwa njia mzuri… sio kulazimisha wanafunzi wafanye mambo ambayo sio mazuri vile mumeona kwa hizo video clips,” he said.
Authorities further revealed that the organization had been operating without properly disclosing its activities to education officials. Several Hindu religious materials were confiscated from the affected schools as part of the ongoing probe.
However, the suspension has raised fresh concerns about the welfare of pupils in Ganze, a region often hit by food insecurity. With the program halted indefinitely, the government is under pressure to find alternative ways of supporting the learners who relied heavily on the meals.
