Bwana Asifiwe! Pastor Kanyari embraces TikTok for evangelism
By Elizabeth NgigiControversial preacher Pastor Kanyari has sparked a new debate after making his debut TikTok.
He also hit back at fellow pastors who have criticised its use for spreading the gospel.
On April 3, the self-proclaimed man of God appeared to deliver a live sermon on TikTok, engaging with his audience in a unique and modern way.
During his premiere session, Pastor Kanyari addressed his followers, urging them to tap the screen and reach 21,000 likes, expressing gratitude for their support.
“Tap tap guys tufike 21k, tafadhali tap tap, asante.” he said
“Wale wanaongea vibaya wacha waongee vibaya, lakini mimi naamini ya kwamba kuan watru wakp hapa wanataka kubarikiwa, wanataka maombi,” he proclaimed.
(Those who speak ill, let them speak ill, but I believe that those who are here want to be blessed, they want prayers.)
He dismissed criticisms of TikTok, likening it to television and urging detractors to shut down their TV sets if they believe the platform is inherently negative.
“Nani alisema ati titktok ni mbaya? Mi nashagaa tiktok si mbaya, hata tv ni mbaya kama wahubiri wanasema titkok ni mbaya hata basi tv ni mbaya. hata wao wafunge matv.”
(Who said TikTok is bad? I’m surprised, TikTok isn’t bad, even TV is bad if preachers say TikTok is bad, then TV is bad too. They should even shut down their TVs.)
A few days ago, Pastor Ng’ang’a condemned the use of TikTok saying the generation using the platform is cursed.
Meanwhile, popular TikToker Nyako weighed in on the controversy, expressing concerns about pastors joining TikTok and predicting its impact on traditional church attendance.
“TikTok has become popular. Pastor Kanyari, Pastor Ng’ang’a are on TikTok. We will be stepping on each other on TikTok, even with pastors. Soon, Pastor Ezekiel. We will be criticizing each other. Very soon, we will be one nation under one roof. Even Ruto is here with a pseudo,” Nyako remarked.
She further warned of potential church closures due to declining attendance among youths, attributing this trend to the allure of TikTok and the increasing influence of social media on religious practices.
“I told you guys TikTok is the end of time. It is going to unite and break us. TikTok is the beginning and the end of humankind. Churches are going to be closed because the youths are not showing up. If Pastor Ng’ang’a has joined TikTok then churches are going to be closed,” she said.
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