The clip quickly went viral, with Kenyans turning his delivery into a TikTok comedic audio. Many highlighted what they described as Oburu’s “faint energy” and unconvincing urgency, given the gravity of Kenya’s ongoing political debates.
Memes portraying Oburu’s slow gestures and measured pace circulated widely, showing how political discourse can rapidly become pop culture fodder.
Critics pointed to past remarks in which Bishop Kiengei had appeared to criticize the government, especially following the death of a protester said to have been a member of his church.
To some, the president’s visit and the subsequent donation seemed inconsistent with that earlier position.
However, Wanja Nyarari dismissed the backlash and challenged young Kenyans, particularly Generation Z, to rethink their approach to leadership and civic engagement.
In her remarks, she suggested that many young people are quick to criticize established leaders but reluctant to build and support their own.
She argued that if Gen Z desires change, they must be willing to invest in developing credible leaders from within their ranks rather than attacking others for engaging with those in power.
Wanja further referenced Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino as an example of a youthful leader who has risen through the political system.
She urged young people to focus on strengthening institutions and nurturing leadership skills instead of relying solely on online activism.
The debate has since sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some users agreed with Wanja’s call for self belief and proactive leadership, others maintained that religious institutions should remain cautious about political associations.
The conversation reflects the ongoing tension between faith, politics and youth influence in Kenya’s evolving public space.