Going overboard? Pastor Kanyari clarifies indecent TikTok content – EXCLUSIVE
Controversial Pastor Victor Kanyari is back in the spotlight, this time on TikTok, taking things to a whole new level and leaving Kenyans amused.
Kanyari has been pushing the boundaries of what many consider appropriate online behaviour, especially for a man of God.
Others call it “power chasing”.
During a recent Sunday service, a female TikToker, Faith M Peters, shocked the congregation by presenting Kanyari with an unexpected gift: condoms, panty liners and Vaseline.
She then surprised everyone by declaring her love for him. Kanyari happily accepted the gifts and even unwrapped them on the pulpit, sparking a wave of mixed reactions.
In another incident, Kanyari tackled the sensitive issue of sexuality by inviting a German-based gay Kenyan TikToker known as Mpenzi Chokuu to his live TikTok.
Chokuu, dressed in a buibui, took part in a confusing mix of religious pronouncements and mock exorcism led by Kanyari. Chokuu added to the theatrics by vigorously shaking his bottom in response to the pastor’s actions. Kanyari’s viewers found all these antics disrespectful.
These episodes received mixed reactions on social media.
One of Kanyari’s followers commented, “I saw a video of people giving Pastor Kanyari some funny gifts in his church. This is a joke. Content creation should not go there”.
Nairobi News contacted the controversial Pastor, who explained that his motives for joining TikTok were not about personal gain, but about saving more souls.
“Hakuna kitu nasema haisemwi hii dunia. (All I have said has been said) I am sure even some pastors watch worse content. What I am doing is just agreeing to go down to the level of these filthy content creators to try and understand what they are going through. I am spreading the word of God and winning even more souls,” said Kanyari.
But how far is Kanyari willing to go to get more attention?
He explained that his church attendance has increased since he started using TikTok with his latest preaching style, going live during his Sunday services.
“Right now I have over 10,000 people watching me live on TikTok every Sunday. That means more people want to know God. TikTok is for fun and people should stop taking things so seriously. My intention is not to make money because even the money I get, I have donated to needy people”.
When asked if his mother, who is also a preacher, had seen his videos, Kanyari said she was a busy woman.
“She does not have access to TikTok. She has nothing to say about the way I preach.”
TikTok is increasingly being used by preachers for a number of reasons, such as broad reach and engagement.
TikTok’s algorithm also allows content to go viral quickly, giving preachers the opportunity to reach a global audience. Short, engaging videos can attract thousands, if not millions, of viewers, increasing the spread of their messages.
Younger audience
TikTok is particularly popular with younger demographics, therefore, by using the platform, preachers can connect with younger generations who may not engage with traditional forms of religious outreach.
Cost effective
Worth noting is that creating content on TikTok is relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of media such as TV and radio. This makes it an attractive option for preachers and religious organisations with limited budgets.