Salvation Healing Ministry preacher Victor Kanyari surprised his congregants with Christmas gifts, sparking mixed reactions online.
In a viral video, the controversial televangelist displayed colourful braids on his church’s pulpit, announcing that he would gift them to his female congregants in preparation for the festive season.
Kanyari didn’t stop there—he also revealed plans to provide male congregants with socks. “I want to ensure every member of my church is looking good.
So, what will I give the men? I know they’ll start complaining. What should I gift them?… We’ve agreed on socks,” he said, as his congregants cheerfully agreed.
To his gesture, Kanyari invited four women to the front to help showcase the braids. “I need four women to come and hold these up so everyone can see. Don’t worry about your hair; even your daughters can benefit. We’ll make them look beautiful,” he added.
Online comments ranged from humorous to heartfelt:
- @belindabelinda33: “But why yellow, red, purple, blue 🤔”
- @mary: “Whoever gets the yellow braids will look like a ripe banana!”
- @mercyline: “Let the men be given 2k each instead.”
- @kaungu❤️: “Will they give more tomorrow? Let me be there by 4 a.m. for morning worship. 😂”
- @marylily: “I wish all pastors could give back like this. God bless you.”
- @user2461580324587: “Why aren’t there any black braids?”
Some of Kanyari’s Past Controversial Statements
This isn’t the first statement of the bold pastor that has raised eyebrows. In June 2024, Kanyari sparked a heated debate among Kenyans after sharing controversial views about women and marriage on his TikTok page.
Kanyari boldly claimed that women who spoke English did not qualify as “wife material.” “Kubali ukatae! Wife material haongeangi kizungu. Kama naongea uongo niambie! Na kama naongea ukweli, andika hapo kwa comments, ‘Prophet uko on point,’” he declared with confidence, repeating for emphasis, “Wife material haongeangi kizungu.”
He then took a swipe at iPhone users, stirring even more controversy.
“Wife material hatumiangi iPhone! Anatumia katululu. Ukiona msichana anatumia iPhone, jua huyo siyo wife material,” he stated.
And he isn’t averse about criticizing his fellow men of the clothe too.
In September 2024, Pastor Victor Kanyari weighed in on the controversy surrounding Bishop Ben Kiengei, who faced backlash for body-shaming influencer Pritty Vishy during a live show.
Kiengei’s derogatory remarks, describing Vishy as “ugly, unattractive, and fat,” drew widespread criticism despite his subsequent verbal apology.
Kanyari, however, deemed the apology insufficient and urged Kiengei to compensate Vishy with Ksh1 million as a more meaningful gesture of remorse.
He stressed the broader harm caused by body-shaming, stating its impact on individuals with larger body sizes.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA