- Choice Gatwiri and Marion Naipei publicly declared repentance at Pastor Victor Kanyari’s church.
- The two had recently trended online over separate leaked video scandals.
- They asked for prayers and said they had chosen to give their lives to Christ.
- Kenyans remain divided, with some supporting them and others questioning the move.
It was an ordinary church service that quickly turned into a national talking point. Two young women who have dominated online headlines in recent weeks walked to the altar at Salvation and Healing Ministry and asked for prayers.
Standing before Pastor Victor Kanyari, Choice Gatwiri and Marion Naipei told the congregation they were ready to leave their past behind. Videos of the moment spread rapidly across Nairobi and other parts of the country, drawing strong reactions on social media.
Pastor Kanyari welcomed them warmly, prayed over them, and described their decision as a new beginning.
Choice Gatwiri first went viral after clips surfaced showing her with a Russian man. The recordings were reportedly shared without her knowledge, triggering a wave of online debate. While some sympathised with her, others mocked and criticised her harshly.
Marion Naipei’s name also trended after a separate private video found its way onto social media. She later claimed boundaries had been crossed and reported the matter to authorities. Within days, her identity was widely shared, and public opinion was sharply divided.
Both women faced heavy scrutiny, with their personal lives discussed openly by strangers.
During the church service, Choice spoke about seeking forgiveness and thanked God for another opportunity to rebuild her life. She promised to turn away from past mistakes.
Marion followed with her own testimony, saying the recent weeks had been painful but that she had found peace through prayer. She expressed interest in becoming more involved in church activities.
Photos and clips from later services show Marion reading scripture and assisting in prayers, signalling her commitment to her new path.
The decision has sparked debate. Some Kenyans believe faith offers everyone a second chance and applauded the move. Others questioned whether the repentance was genuine or influenced by public pressure.
Pastor Victor Kanyari is no stranger to controversy himself, and critics have asked why the women chose his ministry. Supporters, however, argue that the church doors are open to anyone seeking change.
In one gesture of support, the pastor reportedly gave Choice financial assistance to help her move forward.
The episode has raised broader issues about privacy, online shaming, and the pressure young women face in the digital age. Many parents are using the story to caution their children about trust and social media exposure.
Counsellors note that viral humiliation can cause deep emotional harm. For some, faith communities provide comfort and a safe space to rebuild confidence.
For Choice Gatwiri and Marion Naipei, the road ahead may not be easy. Social media rarely forgets, and public figures often remain under close watch. Yet their joint appearance at church has shifted the conversation from scandal to redemption.
Whether this marks a lasting transformation or a brief pause from controversy will depend on what follows. For now, many Kenyans are watching closely, hoping the two young women will find stability and strength in their new journey.
