Victor Kanyari Admits Ministry Began as a Financial Decision, Not Divine Calling

Controversial Nairobi preacher Prophet Victor Kanyari has revealed that his entry into Christian ministry was not the result of a divine calling, but a practical decision influenced by financial hardship.

Speaking during an interview on Radio Maisha, the Salvation Healing Ministry founder explained how he struggled to make a living before discovering a fundraising strategy that would later become closely associated with his ministry—the KSh310 “seed”.

From Poverty to the Pulpit

Kanyari grew up in difficult circumstances after moving from Loitokitok to Nairobi with his mother, Prophetess Lucy Nduta.

He dropped out of school while in Form Three following behavioural challenges and began assisting his mother as she preached on the streets.

He later started preaching independently in Kawangware after a local landlord offered him a hall where he could conduct services.

Kanyari said his decision to pursue ministry full-time was largely influenced by what he witnessed while working alongside his mother.

Seeing her receive food and financial assistance from members of the public made him realise that preaching could provide a way out of the financial difficulties he was experiencing.

“For me, I can’t say was a calling, I just saw, loved it and that’s how I became a preacher,” he said.

He also recalled his mother’s ministry and the support she received from people.

“…you know my church is about compassionate, no offerings are done there,” Kanyari stated during the interview.

The 2014 Exposé

Kanyari rose to national prominence in 2014 after being featured in a KTN Jicho Pevu investigation titled Makri ya Injili, translated as “Gospel Scam”.

The investigation accused the preacher of staging miracles and using potassium permanganate to turn water red as part of demonstrations presented as supernatural acts.

The revelations triggered widespread public criticism and calls for authorities to investigate the preacher.

Despite the backlash, Kanyari retained a loyal following and continued operating his ministry in Nairobi.

How the KSh310 Seed Changed His Fortunes

Before the strategy became successful, Kanyari said he struggled to raise money through his radio broadcasts.

He initially asked listeners to send KSh1,000, then KSh700 and later KSh500, but said the response was poor.

He eventually lowered the requested contribution to KSh310.

The response changed dramatically.

“Lakini wakati nilisema panda mbegu ya 310 mimi sijui ilikuwa na magic gani watu walikuwa wanatuma,” he recalled.

According to Kanyari, the strategy generated a significant flow of mobile-money transactions, with several phones receiving payments and the preacher claiming that the collections exceeded KSh1 million per day during peak periods.

Asked what he did with the money, Kanyari gave a straightforward answer:

“Zangu za kula na kusaidia watu.”

Why Kanyari Was Not Prosecuted

The 2014 investigation also prompted former journalist Mohammed Ali to campaign for Kanyari’s arrest.

However, Kanyari said law enforcement officers required people who believed they had been wronged to formally report the matter at police stations.

“Hakuna mtu ambaye alienda,” he said, explaining that none of his congregants recorded statements against him.

With no formal complainants coming forward, Kanyari said authorities did not proceed with a prosecution, allowing him to continue with his ministry.