Public Proposal at Salvation Healing Ministry

NAIROBI – A video that circulated widely on social media on Friday, November 7, 2025, captured a startling scene at Pastor Victor Kanyari's Salvation Healing Ministry in Nairobi. During a service, prominent TikTok personality Nyawira Kamotho knelt before the controversial pastor at the pulpit, appearing to present him with a ring. The act, which took place in a church converted into a makeshift kitchen with food being cooked and served, was met with immediate shock and condemnation from both the congregation and online viewers. Pastor Kanyari was seen eating and largely ignoring Kamotho's gesture, though she persisted for a moment before standing up and leaving the pulpit. The incident has intensified public scrutiny of the duo's relationship, which has been a subject of online discussion and criticism for some time.

A History of Controversy and Online Antics

Pastor Victor Kanyari is no stranger to public controversy. He first gained national notoriety in 2014 following an exposé that accused him of orchestrating fake miracles in exchange for "seed money" of KSh 310 from his followers, a scandal widely known as the "Mbegu ya 310" controversy. Kanyari later admitted the scheme was born out of a desire to escape poverty. The scandal led to the dissolution of his marriage to gospel singer Betty Bayo and a period of intense public disgrace. In recent years, Kanyari has reinvented himself, leveraging social media, particularly TikTok, to engage with a younger audience. His live sessions have often been criticized for their explicit nature and for blurring the lines between ministry and entertainment.

The relationship between Kanyari and Nyawira Kamotho has been a focal point of his recent online presence. The two have been romantically linked, a connection fueled by their own public statements and actions. Prior to the proposal, Kanyari had been criticized for publicly making offensive remarks about Kamotho's marital status during a church service. Despite the public humiliation, Kamotho has consistently defended her affection for the preacher, urging critics to respect her personal choices and at one point revealing a tattoo seemingly dedicated to him.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The reaction to the pulpit proposal has been overwhelmingly negative, with many Kenyans expressing their dismay on social media platforms. Critics questioned the appropriateness of such an act within a place of worship, with many describing the scene as turning the church into a source of comedy and disrespecting the sanctity of the altar. The presence of cooking and food service during the sermon added to the sense of impropriety for many observers. Social media users questioned Kamotho's motivations and the sincerity of the event, with some comments suggesting the entire episode was staged for online attention. This incident follows a pattern of behavior that has seen Kanyari's church activities and his interactions with various TikTok personalities, including another individual named Kawira, become subjects of public debate and ridicule.

Implications for Religious and Social Spheres

The event highlights a growing trend of religious figures in Kenya utilizing social media platforms to maintain relevance and attract followers, often leading to controversial outcomes. The fusion of religious services with the performative nature of platforms like TikTok raises significant questions for both religious leaders and their congregations about the boundaries of modern evangelism. For Pastor Kanyari, this latest incident serves as another chapter in a long public career marked by scandal and reinvention. For Nyawira Kamotho, it cements her status as a controversial online figure, inextricably linked with the preacher. The widespread public discussion underscores a societal tension in Kenya regarding the role of the church, the conduct of its leaders, and the influence of social media on cultural norms. As the video continues to circulate, the debate on whether these actions represent a new form of outreach or a departure from spiritual principles is likely to continue.