Pastor Kanyari Declares Bid for Kasarani MP Seat as Gachagua Appearance Sparks Political Speculation
Controversial Nairobi preacher Victor Kanyari has officially declared his intention to contest the Kasarani parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, reigniting debate over the growing intersection between religion and politics in Kenya.
The founder of Salvation Healing Ministry made the announcement on Saturday, May 9, during an elevation service held in Ruai, Nairobi County, an event that was attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Addressing congregants during the service, Kanyari openly expressed admiration for Gachagua before revealing his political ambitions, remarks that immediately fuelled speculation over a possible political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
“How many love Gachagua? I really admire him. I am vying for the office of the Member of Parliament in Kasarani,” Kanyari told the congregation amid cheers from sections of the audience.
Although the preacher stopped short of revealing the political party he intends to use, his glowing remarks about Gachagua have already triggered questions over whether he could align himself with political formations associated with the former Deputy President, who has recently intensified his political activities following his fallout with President William Ruto’s administration.
Kanyari, a polarising figure in Kenya’s religious circles, has remained one of the country’s most recognisable televangelists for over a decade. He first shot into national prominence in 2014 after a widely publicised undercover exposé accused him of allegedly staging miracles and manipulating followers into making financial donations.
The exposé alleged that potassium permanganate was being used during church sessions to simulate so-called “blood miracles”, claims that generated nationwide outrage and thrust the preacher into intense public scrutiny.
He also became widely associated with the controversial “310 seed offering” slogan, a fundraising appeal repeatedly used during church broadcasts that later became a subject of criticism and online satire.
Despite the controversies, Kanyari has continued to maintain a loyal following and has repeatedly attempted to reinvent his public image through philanthropy and community outreach initiatives.
This is not the first time the preacher has ventured into politics.
In 2018, Kanyari announced plans to vie for the Embakasi Central parliamentary seat under the Jubilee Party ticket, saying he had already submitted nomination papers and was prepared to serve residents of the constituency.
At the time, he pledged to tackle persistent problems affecting residents, including poor roads, unreliable water supply and youth unemployment.
However, his bid failed to materialise and he did not make it onto the ballot.
Over the years, the televangelist has remained active in Nairobi’s informal settlements through charitable activities that include paying school fees for needy children, distributing school uniforms and supporting community water projects in parts of eastern Nairobi.
His latest political declaration now sets the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched and unconventional parliamentary races in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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