Pastor Kanyari surprises congregants with goodies.

Preacher Victor Kanyari of Salvation Healing Ministry surprised his congregants with Christmas gifts, which sparked mixed reactions online. 

In a viral video, the controversial televangelist showcased colourful hair braids on the pulpit of his church and announced that he would be giving them to the women in his congregation 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.

The father of two has gifted his female congregants braids for Christmas

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 🤔”
• @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?”
• @mary: “Whoever gets the yellow braids will look like a ripe banana!”

The famous pastor is known for his controversial stances

This isn’t the first statement from the controversial pastor that has raised eyebrows. In June 2024, Kanyari sparked a heated debate among Kenyans after sharing his views about women and marriage on his TikTok page.

Kanyari boldly claimed that women who spoke English did not qualify as “wife material.”

He asserted, “Kubali ukatae! Wife material haongeangi kizungu. Kama naongea uongo, niambie! Na kama naongea ukweli, andika hapo kwa comments, ‘Prophet uko on point,’” repeating for emphasis, “Wife material haongeangi kizungu.”

He also criticised iPhone users, stirring even more controversy. 

He stated, “Wife material hatumiangi iPhone! Anatumia katululu. Ukiona msichana anatumia iPhone, jua huyo siyo wife material.”

Pastor Kanyari has a history of making divisive statements that shock people. He is also unafraid to criticize his fellow men of the cloth. 

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, which described Vishy as “ugly, unattractive, and fat,” drew widespread criticism, despite his subsequent verbal apology. 

However, Kanyari deemed the apology insufficient and urged Kiengei to compensate Vishy with Ksh1 million as a more tangible gesture of remorse.

He emphasised the broader harm caused by body-shaming and its impact on individuals with larger body sizes.

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