Pastor Victor Kanyari, the founder of the Salvation and Healing Ministry, has stirred controversy with his strict directives to churchgoers.
In a widely circulated video, the charismatic preacher proclaimed that congregants must no longer attend services without making financial contributions. He insisted on monetary donations and tangible goods like sugar and tea leaves, or a mandatory cash offering of at least Ksh 500.
Kanyari warned that failure to adhere to these requirements would result in expulsion from the church, emphasizing that individuals who do not bring offerings would not be allowed to stay.
In the viral video, Pastor Kanyari declared, “If you are not going to bring sugar, tea leaves, and Ksh 500 for me to partake, I will dismiss you. You will not remain here; you will be asked to leave. If I am your father, you cannot come to see me empty-handed. As your spiritual father, you are expected to bring an offering. Failing to do so, you will not be welcome in this church.”
This approach to congregational giving has ignited a fervent debate about the ethical implications of demanding specific contributions from followers.
In another disturbing incident captured on video, Kanyari was observed slapping a follower during a healing and deliverance session. The woman, identified as a house manager from Nairobi, had sought prayer for a new job but unexpectedly became the target of the pastor’s aggression.
Accusing her of laziness, Pastor Kanyari, after a brief prayer, handed her Ksh 1,000 before delivering another slap. This incident has further fueled discussions on the appropriateness of the pastor’s actions and the potential harm inflicted on congregants seeking spiritual guidance.
