This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On July 28, 2019, congregants at Jubilee Christian Church in Nairobi threw a surprise birthday show for Reverend Kathy Kiuna, marking her special day with placards, hugs, and ululations.
Men and women alike held placards celebrating the woman of God, with messages such as 'God found the strongest woman and gave her to us for a mum. Happy birthday' and 'Heaven sent us the best. Happy birthday, mom.'
However, not everyone was impressed with the outpour of emotions. Many Kenyans took to Twitter to express their disapproval, questioning whether the congregants display similar affections to the women in their lives on their birthdays.
'Somebody's Dad woke up in the morning, went to the shower, wore a nice Suit, only to go and hold these placards? He has never even said these to his biological mother,' tweeted @kingsman_254.
Others accused the church of idolatry, with @kelvinaderi tweeting 'Wacha niedelee na Sofaset Church of Kenya yangu. This is Idolatry.'
Reverend Kathy Kiuna's birthday show has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Kenyans weighing in on the appropriateness of the tribute.
