By Evelyne Kioko
Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of pinterest.com
The dean of students sent out an email on Monday on 8 November raising concerns on the Halloween Wednesday theme for Cultural Expo.
The Cultural-Expo kicked off on 8 November at Daystar Nairobi Campus with the Halloween as one of the themes to be worn on Wednesday 10 November. This raised concerns among students in the Daystar Communication Group on why the theme is there yet the institution is a Christian Institution.
‘’Well, I thought we are supposed to celebrate an event because we know its origin, history and significance. An African theme is not only the cloth you wear. It’s an identity and a culture as well. For Christians, Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ. If someone else celebrates it because it’s a period for free things and an excuse to go out partying, they’re wrong. That’s why as an African student studying at a Christian university, I don’t identify with an event which has “Halloween” as one of its themes,’’ stated Hilmelda Tenkeu a Communication student Public Relations major.
In the email, the dean stated that historically those who celebrated the festival believed that the souls of the dead returned to mingle with the living.
‘’Historically, celebrants of this festival believe that the souls of the dead – including ghosts, goblins, and witches – return to mingle with the living. In addition, they hold that in order to scare away the evil spirits, people should wear petrifying masks and light bonfires. Such teachings are contrary to not only what Daystar stands for, but also the Bible itself,’’ stated the email.
The email went on to state that the Nairobi Campus Governor Brian Achoka, had been advised on the matter by the University Chaplain and the Dean of the students.
‘’Halloween is purely and absolutely evil and there is nothing we ever have, or will do, that would make it acceptable to the Daystar Himself. Any such practice will therefore be considered as a deliberate rebellion with consequent repercussions,’’ stated the email.
When asked for a comment the Nairobi Campus governor had none.