“Nimechoma”-Pastor Kanyari Regrets TikTok Antics, Admits Chasing Clout

Pastor Victor Kanyari of the Salvation Healing Ministry has opened up about his controversial TikTok live sessions, admitting that the pursuit of views, audience retention, and virtual gifts drove his behavior on the platform.

Speaking during an interview on Radio Maisha, the preacher expressed regret over how far the late-night broadcasts went and acknowledged the resulting toll on his public reputation.

Chasing the Viral Rush

At the height of his online activity, Kanyari was a major draw on TikTok’s late-night space, hosting broadcasts around midnight that attracted massive crowds and substantial financial gifts from viewers. He recalled reveling in his status, describing himself as the undisputed leader of the platform at the time.

“Kuna wakati nilikuwa the president of TikTok. Iyo wakati nilikuwa naongea vitu, ndo maana nilitoka TikTok,” Kanyari stated.

However, he conceded that the pressure to keep audiences entertained compromised his standing as a clergy member, leading to widespread criticism over content many viewed as inappropriate for a preacher.

“Nilikuwa naingia saa sita usiku lakini sasa niko na views kama elfu kumi, lakini at the same time nimechoma kuchoma,” he admitted, pointing to both the reputational damage and the drop in his numbers.

Falling Viewership and Unanswered Questions

While his live streams currently draw around 10,000 viewers—a notable decline from his peak—Kanyari shared that he remains puzzled by the mechanics of viral trends and why his previous formula no longer yields the same results.

“Mimi nashangaa, I don’t know hata saa hizi nitatrend tu mimi. Sijuangi ni nini nimesema na mbona mambo yangu hayatrend kama mambo yangu funny,” he said, reflecting on his inability to recreate his earlier viral success.