GEOFFREY MBUTHIA ENTERTAINMENT SUB-EDITOR

22 August 2024

• Her critique has sparked significant online debate among Kenyans.

Kenyan musician Vivianne has always been candid, and her recent statements have ignited widespread conversation.

On August 21, 2024, Vivian posted a TikTok video where she openly expressed her decision to step away from Christianity.

She questioned its foundations, portraying it not as a path to spiritual growth but as a system rooted in control and fear.

Vivianne openly shared, "Can I tell you why I don't believe in Christianity? I don’t think I ever had a real choice. Christianity’s foundation is built on control and fear, dictating that your entire life is lived according to a book."

She went on to criticize how the Bible governs every aspect of a person’s life, often being used to justify harmful behavior.

"Every decision, everything about who you are, is controlled by a single book. And people can hate you, condemn you, ostracize you, belittle you, dehumanize you, and justify all these actions using this so-called holy book. That’s just wrong."

Vivianne also highlighted the importance of personal power and creativity, arguing that religious doctrines suppress these innate human qualities.

"I believe in the strength of our souls, the power of creation, and creativity. We are part of a vast, interconnected universe," she said.

She also criticised Christianity’s portrayal of women, pointing out that the Bible positions women as secondary to men.

"The book treats women as an afterthought—man was created first, and then woman was made to serve him. Yet it is the woman who carries and nurtures life. So why do we allow this one book to dictate our lives? It’s not right," Vivian asserted.

Her critique deepened as she described Christianity as a "disease" and a form of "brainwashing," claiming it is an institution designed to control the masses while empowering only a select few.

"Christianity is like a disease—it brainwashes people. It’s an institution meant to empower a few while disempowering the rest," she argued.

Vivian urged her followers to reclaim their power and not be confined by religious teachings.

"We must take control of our lives. We have the power to be, create, expand, and grow. To speak freedom, light, and love. These things should not be limited by a book," she emphasized.

Interestingly, this bold critique follows a notable shift in Vivian's spiritual journey. In September 2021, she released a gospel ballad and spoke about reconnecting with her Christian roots, a change she attributed to the reflective period during the COVID pandemic.

She explained, "A change of heart is the best way to describe it. The pandemic gave many of us time to reflect. I realized that we often focus so much on external things and forget to look within and focus on God, who made us. I have a Christian upbringing, and sometimes, during reflection, you remember that foundation."