Controversial preacher Pastor Victor Kanyari has once again set tongues wagging after a defiant appearance at a high-profile celebration in Nairobi.
Speaking at the seven-year transformation event for Cukura ya Nairobi at the Bluesprings Hotel, the Salvation Healing Ministry founder revealed the dark side of his fame.
Kanyari admitted that at the height of his career, the vitriol against him was so intense that some people were openly praying for his death.
“Some people were very talented but died. At one time, people were even asking when I would die,” Kanyari told the crowd.
“But it is unfortunate for them because I have never died, I have never been seriously sick, and I am still here.”
But it wasn’t just his own survival that Kanyari was defending.
The pastor arrived with a colorful entourage including Manzi wa Mombasa and Marion Naipei—the latter of whom recently became a viral sensation after being criticized for attending a club without wearing underwear.
In a move that stunned some attendees, Kanyari used his platform to defend Naipei’s fashion choices, labeling her critics as hypocrites.
“She went viral because of an incident where she didn’t wear a panty, and that is her choice,” Kanyari argued.
“Even Kenyan law doesn’t say anyone must wear one, so I don’t see any offense. People like to discriminate over small things yet they think they are better than everyone else.”
The event was a “who’s who” of the Kikuyu showbiz industry, featuring performances from Kigooco artists and appearances by Karangu Muraya and Mugithi legend Wanja Asali.
Despite the controversy, the atmosphere remained celebratory as guests toasted to Cukura’s success.
Kanyari, however, left the audience with a parting shot on personal growth: “People must learn to focus on their own lives. Live your life without being disturbed by others. Everyone here has their own weaknesses.”
