Kenyans have taken to social media to sympathise with and encourage convicted Meru artist Viny Mkali after a video of him performing at a prison event surfaced online.
On Friday, November 14, photos and a short clip showing an almost unrecognisable Viny in prison uniform circulated widely on social media, triggering mixed reactions among netizens.
The musician, dressed in the standard black-and-white striped attire and sporting a clean-shaven head as required in prison, was captured entertaining a visibly excited crowd.
He was backed by fellow inmates, some draped in Maasai shukas, as he urged the audience to clap along while showcasing his rapping skills.
ALSO READ: Major breakthrough in rapper AKA murder case as suspected killers extradited to South Africa
Viny, now serving time as an inmate, was performing during a graduation ceremony where 24 women prisoners and seven facilitators received certificates at the Meru Women’s Prison.
The video, which has since gone viral, drew varied reactions online, with many Kenyans offering words of encouragement, while others remarked that actions come with consequences.
Kenyans Sympathise With Viny Mkali
Here are some of the reactions:
Mungathia Geoffrey:
“Like Joseph in the Bible, the guy is shining in prison.”
Kelvin Muthuri M’Amathi:
“Makosa ikifanyika sasa ni kurekebisha.”
Jaymo Kalenda:
“Our prayers are with this guy.”
Munene O Murithi:
“We are all short of His glory. How I wish I had powers to pardon you, my brother. May God help us to overcome our bodily desires.”
Mutembei Kathiari Snr:
“Vybz Kartel fought strong, and he came out strong too.”
Dani Junior:
“Living example of what defilement can do.”
Mwiti Patrick:
“Vindu vichechenga.”
Dorothy Kanana:
“Viny, how did you end up here?”
ALSO READ: Rapper Dogo Janja risks imprisonment after shooting form 4 student on leg
20-Year Sentence For Defilement
Viny was once regarded as a promising artist with a bright future ahead.
He rose to fame with his hit song Kwibuo Ukuua, which has garnered over 48,000 views on YouTube within a year of its release.
Nairobi News understands that Vinny was convicted of defilement.
Magistrate Lilian Maina of the Meru Law Courts sentenced the artist to 20 years in prison after he was found guilty.
While some Kenyans have welcomed the ruling, others believe the musician should consider filing an appeal.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
