Ezekiel Mutua, the Chief Executive Officer of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), recently announced his first earnings from TikTok.
On Tuesday evening, Mutua shared the news on social media, highlighting that his earnings came from clean content.
"At exactly 10:20 pm today, I made my first withdrawal from TikTok through my PayPal account. The journey towards sanitizing TikTok through clean content has begun in earnest,” wrote Mutua.
He added; “I hope to serve as an example that content doesn't have to be dirty to sell. One day I will post a million here through clean and useful content on TikTok!"
This announcement follows a recent meeting Mutua had with controversial preacher Victor Kanyari, addressing Kanyari's conduct on the platform.
Previously, Mutua had announced his intention to ban Pastor Kanyari from TikTok and have him arrested due to inappropriate behaviour.
"Pastor Kanyari has disgraced the church. The unfortunate incidents of inappropriate conduct online in the last few weeks must be condemned. If pastors continue this drama for clout chasing, there’s no telling how far this can go," Mutua criticized.
However, on May 24, Mutua met with Pastor Kanyari and other TikTok influencers to discuss how Kanyari could positively influence the platform.
Mutua explained that he would use Kanyari’s experience to mentor Kenyan youths who use TikTok for inappropriate content.
"Kanyari did well to join TikTok because, though with unfortunate consequences, we are now having a conversation to restore the youths on these platforms. These are our children, and we cannot ride on high moral horses to condemn and shun them," Mutua stated.
Mutua stated that while he does not condone blasphemy or misconduct, there is a need for a genuine conversation to help the youth who face real challenges, including depression and substance abuse.
"We are not condoning blasphemy or misconduct, far from it. But we must have a genuine conversation to rescue our youths who are perishing. We cannot afford to wait to get their attention when another one dies. Most of them have real challenges. They are depressed. They are high on drugs. They are hateful and resentful. But they are our children, and we must engage," Mutua declared.
In a symbolic ceremony, Mutua declared Pastor Kanyari the "President of TikTok."
Holding a Bible, Kanyari pledged, "I swear that I will not mislead them or disgrace the name of God. I will uphold dignity, integrity, and responsibility and work together with TikTokers and all the youth on this platform to build them. So help me God."