NAIROBI, Kenya — Controversial preacher Victor Kanyari has formally declared his bid for the Kasarani parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, signalling his transition from religious leadership to elective politics.
Kanyari, widely known for leading the Salvation Healing Ministry, announced his candidature on April 12 during a church service, stating that he intends to serve residents of Kasarani through elective office.
Since the announcement, the preacher has embarked on an aggressive grassroots campaign, marked by direct engagement with residents across the constituency.
His approach centres on physical presence in communities, with frequent visits to neighbourhoods and local markets.
“No shortcuts to leadership — lazima uvae viatu, uingie ground, usalimie watu na usikie shida zao live!” Kanyari said during one of his interactions with residents.
The campaign has seen him traverse key areas such as Mwiki, where he has been meeting small-scale traders and informal sector workers to understand their economic challenges.
He has framed these engagements as part of a broader effort to craft people-driven solutions.
Kanyari’s strategy blends political messaging with acts of community support.
In recent outings, he has distributed items such as umbrellas to residents, presenting them as practical assistance amid changing weather conditions.
The gestures reflect an attempt to merge his religious influence with grassroots mobilisation.
His entry adds a new dynamic to the Kasarani race, one of Nairobi’s most populous and politically competitive constituencies.
The seat is currently held by Ronald Karauri, who won it as an independent candidate in the 2022 General Election.
Kanyari had initially signalled interest in contesting for the Njiru Ward MCA position before shifting his focus to the parliamentary seat, a move that raises the stakes in an already crowded political field.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, Kanyari’s campaign will test whether celebrity status and religious following can translate into electoral success in a constituency defined by diverse voter interests and high political competition.
His early start suggests a long campaign ahead, with voter trust, policy clarity, and coalition-building expected to shape the final outcome.
