Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has expressed concerns about the high public exposure and online activity of Pastor Victor Kanyari's daughter, Sky Victor, warning that it could negatively affect her well-being and development. Odhiambo argued that the discussions Victor engages in and the reactions she receives from members of the public could have a detrimental impact on her.
The concerns for Sky's social media activity arose following the death of her mother, Betty Bayo, and a public custody dispute. Speaking in the National Assembly, Odhiambo expressed concern about Sky's frequent online appearances and the nature of the conversations she engages in. She urged the relevant government department to look into the matter and consider whether the child needed protection.
Odhiambo did not mention Sky by name but described a young girl who had lost her mother and was increasingly active on social media. The MP questioned the type of conversations the girl was having online, warning that her continued exposure to public scrutiny was not in her best interests. She emphasized that the girl's situation was not good for her.
The MP's remarks came amid public attention surrounding Sky's family following a court decision that granted her biological father, Pastor Victor Kanyari, custody of his children after the death of their mother. The ruling followed a legal dispute involving the children's stepfather, Hiram "Tash" Gitau, with the court ultimately awarding custody to Kanyari.
Sky Victor's reaction to the custody ruling attracted attention after she took to social media livestreams to express her dissatisfaction with the outcome. Sky flatly refused to go live with her biological father despite the court's ruling on custody. During the broadcasts, the teenager appealed directly to President William Ruto and aired her grievances against her biological father.
Odhiambo used the matter to raise a broader question about the role of Parliament and society in protecting minors from potential harm associated with unrestricted access to social media. She challenged lawmakers to consider whether there should be limits on when and how young people engage with online platforms.
The MP acknowledged that proposals to regulate social media use among children could attract opposition but emphasized the need for regulation. Her concerns have sparked a debate on the need for measures to protect children from the potential risks associated with social media.
Key points
- MP Millie Odhiambo has called for the Children's Department to examine Sky Victor's social media exposure.
- Odhiambo expressed concerns about the impact of Sky's online activity on her well-being and development.
- The MP's remarks have sparked a debate on regulating social media use among children in Kenya.
