DANCEHALL ROCKS KANYARI'S CHURCH

Prophet Victor Kanyari's Salvation Healing Ministry has sparked fresh debate after a Sunday church service turned into an energetic dance session, with congregants showing off their dance moves to dancehall music.

A video circulating on social media, recorded during the November 8, 2026, service at the Nairobi-based church, captured men and women abandoning their seats to dance as upbeat dancehall riddims played inside the sanctuary.

The unusual scene saw worshippers of different ages freely moving to the rhythm, with some displaying energetic waist movements while others joined in the lively session.

The footage quickly attracted attention, dividing opinion among Kenyans over whether such entertainment belongs in a place of worship.

While some social media users questioned the decision to introduce secular-style music and nightclub-like dancing into a church service, others defended the atmosphere, arguing that worship does not necessarily have to be solemn and that dancing can also be an expression of joy.

Critics questioned whether the church was maintaining the reverence expected of a place of worship, with some invoking biblical teachings to challenge the activities. Others made jokes about the service, comparing the atmosphere to a nightclub and suggesting that congregants were being offered an entertainment experience rather than a conventional church gathering.

However, supporters maintained that Christianity should not be associated with boredom, with some arguing that such an approach could make church more appealing to younger generations.

The dancehall session was not the only moment that attracted attention during Sunday's service.

In another incident, Kanyari confronted a female congregant over her choice of clothing after noticing that she had attended the service wearing biker shorts.

The preacher likened the outfit to swimming costumes and questioned who had advised the woman to dress that way for church.

“Ah, I am surprised. What outfit is this that you have decided to wear to church? Who told you this is how we dress up in church? Please, no, these are not church outfits. These outfits clearly look like swimming costumes,” he said.

Kanyari subsequently offered the woman KSh5,000 to purchase what he considered more appropriate church attire, saying he was willing to support her after raising concerns about her dressing.

The two incidents presented contrasting moments from the same service, with the preacher allowing an energetic dancehall atmosphere while simultaneously insisting on certain standards of dressing among congregants.

The latest incident adds to a series of unconventional church activities that have repeatedly placed Kanyari at the centre of public debate.

In March 2026, the preacher attracted attention after singing Mafrrmbanya, a secular song by Breeder LW and Unspoken Salaton, during a church service.

The development also drew comparisons between his ministry and entertainment clubs, prompting Kanyari to address the criticism in September 2026. He acknowledged seeing the online comments but maintained that he was not bothered by people comparing his church to a nightclub.

His latest service has once again revived the debate, with Kenyans divided over the changing face of contemporary church gatherings and the extent to which entertainment should feature in religious worship.