Kanyari offers support to woman after stripping video circulates online
Pastor Victor Kanyari has condemned the circulation of a viral video showing a woman being stripped by a man, identified as James Opande, terming the incident shameful and calling for accountability against him.
Preaching in his church on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Kanyari expressed anger over what he described as abuse and exploitation, dismissing claims by some social media users who downplayed the incident.
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“Unajua watu wa social media wanasema hakuna miujiza, lakini wakaenda kutoa msichana wa wenyewe nguo. Hiyo kitu imenikasirisha sana,” Kanyari said.
He added that he was disturbed after watching the video, noting that it showed a grown man humiliating a woman.
Call for justice
Kanyari insisted that the man involved should be arrested and face the law, describing the act as completely unacceptable.
“Huyo mtu anafaa kuwa amekamatwa ako jela. That’s very wrong,” he said.
He further stated that his issue was not with the woman but with the man, whom he claimed appeared sober and fully aware of his actions.
“Mimi sina shida na huyo msichana. Niko na shida na huyo mwanaume, maana yeye alikuwa sober na anajua kile alikuwa anafanya,” Kanyari said, adding that society has become morally broken to the point where people are willing to expose even those close to them.
Diaspora protests
The preacher also called on Kenyans in the diaspora, particularly those in the United States, to demand accountability if the suspect is hiding abroad.
“Kama huyo mtu yuko Amerika, watu wanafaa kuandamana hadi arudishwe Kenya. Kutoa msichana nguo alafu unaenda kujificha Amerika, hiyo ni makosa makubwa,” he said.
Kanyari appealed directly to the woman involved, urging her to seek help and assuring her of his support.
“Huyo msichana aje anitafute, aniambie ni stress gani ako nayo na naweza kumsaidia aje. Siezi kosa kakitu ka kumsaidia,” he said.
He condemned what he termed as taking advantage of a woman who was allegedly intoxicated, saying such behavior should never be tolerated.
“Nakemea kitendo cha kuchukua advantage ya msichana kwa sababu alikuwa mlevi,” he stated.
Kanyari further said the woman should not be judged or attacked online, but instead be supported in rebuilding her life.
He suggested that she could receive help through the church to start a business and become economically independent.
“Ni msichana mrembo ambaye anaweza kuja kwa hii kanisa tumsaidie aanze biashara, ajiendeleze kimaisha, asije akateseka kwa sababu ya wanaume. Si saa ya kukemea watu, ni saa ya kucorrect watu.”
