Pastor Victor Kanyari, a controversial preacher, recently opened up about the substantial amounts of money he earned through tithing from Kenyans who sent funds in hopes of receiving miracles. Kanyari admitted that his well-known “kupanda mbegu” (planting a seed) campaign, which encouraged people to send KSh 310 for divine blessings, was a strategy to improve his financial situation. Despite public backlash over the practice, Kanyari defended himself, stating that he genuinely helped people through prayer and healing.
Kanyari’s church became a significant gathering place for thousands, with the preacher claiming that he still attracts over 2,000 attendees every Sunday. Many of his followers viewed him as a father figure, as he not only prayed for them but also assisted with food and rent. In a recent interview, Kanyari reflected on his financial success, revealing that during the peak of his ministry, he was making substantial sums of money, with daily donations ranging between KSh 700,000 to KSh 1 million. This resulted in a monthly income that could easily exceed KSh 21 million.
While Kanyari was reluctant to disclose his exact net worth, he acknowledged that he was no longer poor, though he stopped short of calling himself a tycoon, stating that he was somewhere in between. His church’s large attendance and the financial support he received from his followers allowed him to continue his ministry. Despite his controversial methods, Kanyari remains unapologetic, emphasizing that his intention was always to help people, both spiritually and materially.
However, many Kenyans recall the KSh 310 saga with skepticism, with some accusing him of exploiting their faith for financial gain. Social media users who were once part of his audience or contributed to the “planting seed” campaign expressed regret over their past involvement. Some even humorously demanded refunds for the KSh 310 they sent, which, according to them, did not yield the promised miracles.
The backlash against Kanyari’s financial practices intensified when he was accused of taking advantage of his followers’ beliefs. Critics noted that many of the people who sent money were often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and some questioned the ethics behind using religious teachings for personal profit. Despite these criticisms, Kanyari defended his actions, arguing that his prayers and support had made a tangible difference in the lives of some of his followers.
In another controversial incident, Kanyari found himself embroiled in a scandal after a TikTok live session with content creator Kawira. During the session, Kanyari’s behavior toward Kawira, including suggestive physical contact, sparked outrage among viewers. His actions, particularly slapping her backside, were deemed inappropriate and disrespectful, especially given the apparent age gap between the two. Despite the criticism, both Kanyari and Kawira laughed off the incident, but the video quickly went viral, raising concerns about Kanyari’s conduct on social media.
The reactions to Kanyari’s actions were mixed, with some defending him while others expressed disgust at the seemingly inappropriate behavior. The incident added to the growing list of controversies surrounding the preacher, drawing attention to the questionable nature of his public persona and his methods of engaging with both his followers and the media.
