Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has faulted the government for suspending the Krishna Foundation’s school feeding programme, arguing that the decision was rushed and has left thousands of learners vulnerable.

Baya expressed concern that the suspension directly affects pupils in drought-hit areas such as Ganze, who have long depended on the initiative for daily meals.

“We acted in haste,” he said, warning that the move compromises the welfare of children who are already struggling with food insecurity.

The MP dismissed allegations that the foundation was coercing pupils to embrace religious practices in exchange for food.

He claimed the viral videos that triggered public outrage were misinterpreted or circulated with ulterior motives.

“The teachers merely told the students that the donors have their prayer, a Bible, and their God,” he explained. “None of the donors coerced the students to worship in exchange for food.”

The suspension was announced by Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Kibiwott, who said the foundation’s practices conflicted with Kenya’s secular education system.

“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 nzuri vile mumeona kwa hizo video clips,” said Kibiwott.

The decision followed the circulation of videos showing learners in 17 schools across Ganze reciting Hindu prayers before receiving meals provided by the foundation. In some cases, head teachers were captured directing pupils to participate.

Kibiwott added that the foundation had been operating without full disclosure to education officials.

The county education team has since confiscated religious materials from the schools, and the Teachers Service Commission is expected to take disciplinary action against teachers who attended unauthorised meetings with the donors.

The debate has sparked sharp reactions in Kilifi, balancing concerns about religious influence in schools with the urgent need to provide food for children in drought-stricken regions.