Kenyan Pastor Victor Kanyari has never shied away from controversy, but his recent TikTok antics have taken things to a new level, leaving Kenyans both amused and bewildered. The burning question is: How far will Kanyari go to grab attention?
Two recent incidents have gone viral, pushing the boundaries of what some consider appropriate for a religious leader. The first involved a Sunday service where a female TikToker named Faith M. Peters presented Kanyari with a shocking gift: condoms, along with panty liners and petroleum jelly. Peters then professed her love for the recently single pastor. Kanyari, amused, accepted the gifts and even unwrapped them on the pulpit, prompting mixed reactions. While some praised Peters’ boldness, others criticized the lack of decorum in church.
The second incident was an infamous “exorcism” attempt aimed at “changing” a gay TikToker named Mpenzi Chokuu. During the bizarre performance, Kanyari used a mix of religious pronouncements and military jargon, while Chokuu playfully responded, adding to the theatrics. The spectacle elicited both humor and condemnation for its perceived disrespect for religion.
These episodes underscore Kanyari’s knack for generating controversy on the popular TikTok platform. According to Kanyari, his motivations for joining TikTok are altruistic. “Joining the platform is not going to make me rich if I’m not already rich,” he said. “I joined TikTok because I noticed that it is mostly the younger generation and I wanted to reach out and save some lives. There are a lot of tragedies, and I think we can make a difference. There are a lot of drug addicts on the platform, and I hope to help and guide them.”
Addressing the criticism he faces, Kanyari stated, “No pastor has faced as much criticism as I have. If you were to live my life for just one day, you wouldn’t be able to withstand the amount of hate I receive. That’s why I won’t let trolls stop me from doing what I want. I’ve become immune to the negativity and hate.”
Interestingly, Kanyari’s online presence has also resulted in financial gains. “I have received numerous gifts from Kenyans in Germany and the USA,” he shared. “Most of the gifts are from people in those countries. I’ve been on the platform for less than a week, and my account has accumulated over Sh100,000 so far. Money isn’t my main motivation for being there,” he clarified.
Whether Kanyari’s antics are seen as harmless fun or a mockery of serious issues depends on the viewer. One thing is certain: Pastor Kanyari has captured the online spotlight, but only time will tell if his strategy will backfire.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.