Pastor Kanyari: I would have been a boxer if I wasn’t a preacher
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 14, 2026Kasarani parliamentary aspirant and preacher Victor Kanyari has revealed that he once dreamed of becoming a professional boxer before choosing a career in ministry.
Kanyari, who is seeking to represent Kasarani in the 2027 general election, said he had a strong interest in boxing and believed he could have become one of the best in the sport.
Speaking during his Sunday service on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Kanyari explained that his decision to become a pastor was also influenced by his parents, who followed different career paths.
“Mimi kama singekuwa pastor, I would have been a boxer. Nilikuwa natamani kuwa boxer. Nilikuwa naona kama ningeweza kuwa the best in boxing. I really love boxing. But thanks to God, I became a pastor,” he said.
Kanyari jokes about his parents
Kanyari said his father is a police inspector while his mother is a pastor. He jokingly explained how watching both parents go about their work shaped his childhood thinking and eventually influenced the career he chose.
He said he noticed the challenges his father faced in his work, including carrying weapons, while his mother would sometimes receive gifts from fellow church members.
“So I saw how my dad was struggling to carry weapons, while my mum was always being brought gifts by her fellow church people, and I said I wanted to become a pastor since my mother was always receiving,” he joked.
Kanyari eventually pursued ministry and became known for his religious work, particularly through his church and television ministry. He is now seeking to add another role to his public life by entering elective politics.
Kanyari links Mbegu ya 310 to political ambition
While addressing residents, Kanyari said his experience convincing people to send him the controversial Mbegu ya 310 gives him confidence that he can also push for government resources if elected MP.
The preacher said he believed the same ability to mobilise people could help him deliver development for Kasarani. “If I was able to kuitisha Ksh310 ninatumiwa, ninaamini ya kwamba nitakuwa na uwezo ya kuitisha pesa huko juu,” Kanyari said.
He also outlined some of the issues he would prioritise if elected, including improving roads and supporting education. “Na tutatengeneza barabara. Watoto watasoma,” he said.
Kanyari promises free education in Kasarani
Kanyari went further by promising that children in Kasarani would not have to pay school fees if he wins the parliamentary seat. He said education would be among his priorities as he seeks to address challenges facing families in the constituency.
“Mimi nikichaguliwa kuwa mbunge wa Kasarani, hakuna mtoto atalipa school fees. Hata kidogo,” he said.
The promise forms part of Kanyari’s wider campaign message as he seeks to transition from religious leadership into elective politics.
Kanyari responds to social media criticism
Kanyari also addressed criticism he has received over his behaviour and public appearances, particularly on social media. He questioned residents on whether they had noticed what he described as unusual behaviour in some of his online appearances.
“Si mnakaga kidogo mnaniona kwa social media? Ee! Munaona kidogo nimeleta wenda wazimu?” he asked.
He said some people had interpreted his political activities in Kasarani as a sign that he was confused. “Naleta huko Kisirani, watu wanasema Kanyari amechanganyikiwa,” he said.
Kanyari dismissed the criticism, insisting that he was mentally well. “Lakini sikuwahi akili yangu ni timamu. Sinaga kasoro yoyote,” he said.
Kanyari invites Kasarani residents
As he continues his campaign, Kanyari appealed to residents from different backgrounds to join his political team. He said his camp would not discriminate against people and urged residents to work with him as he seeks the parliamentary seat.
“So mimi sina maneno mengi, ninawapenda na ninawaalika wote kati-kati team Kanyari. Hatupagui,” he said.
Kanyari has previously declared his intention to contest the Kasarani parliamentary seat in 2027, presenting better roads, education and access to opportunities among the issues he wants to address if elected.