Pastor Kanyari recalls time people wished he had died
Salvation Healing Ministry founder Pastor Victor Kanyari has recalled the challenges he faced in his rise to prominence, revealing that at one point, some people wished nothing but death upon him.
Speaking during Cukura ya Nairobi’s seven-year transformation celebration on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Pastor Kanyari admitted that those wishes once left him shocked.
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However, he insisted that the wishes have never come to pass, as he has never been seriously sick, let alone inching close to losing his life.
Some people were very talented but died. At one time, people were even asking when I would die. But it is unfortunate for them because I have never died, I have never been seriously sick, and I am still here,” Kanyari said.
He emphasised that people must focus on their own lives rather than being irked by the actions or opinions of others, noting that everyone has weaknesses and challenges of their own.
“People must learn to focus on their own lives. Live your life without being disturbed by others. Everyone here has their own weaknesses,” he shared.
Kanyari then revealed that he had travelled to the event with a team from his church, which included Manzi wa Mombasa, Anne Kawira, his chairman, and Marion Naipei.
Regarding Marion Naipei, Pastor Kanyari explained that she has become a viral sensation, trending after an incident at a club where she faced criticism for not wearing panties.
He defended her right to make personal choices, pointing out that no law requires anyone to wear certain clothing, and criticised those who use small things to discriminate or speak badly about others while thinking they are superior.
“I have some friends here, and some I thought I wouldn’t be able to invite to speak on stage. Some of them didn’t even know I was coming, and they were genuinely shocked when I arrived. I am in the company of people like Manzi wa Mombasa, Anne Kawira, my chairman, and Marion Naipei. Do you all know Naipei? She has become a celebrity nowadays,” Kanyari said.
He acknowledged that she was wearing a panty on the day of the event but used the example to highlight the unfairness of public judgement and the importance of respecting individual freedoms.
“She went viral because of an incident where she didn’t wear a panty, and that is her choice. Whether she wears one or not is entirely up to her. Even Kenyan law doesn’t say anyone must wear one, so I don’t see any offence. Today, she is wearing one. The reason I mention this is that people often like to discriminate or speak badly about others over small things, yet they think they are better than everyone else,” he said.
The event itself, held at Bluesprings Hotel, brought together a host of prominent figures from the Kikuyu showbiz industry.
Notable attendees included singer Karangu Muraya, comedians Gikonyore and Manzi wa Mombasa, TikToker Anne Kawira, and mugithi singers Gachathi wa Thuo, Njoki wa Ndegwa, Wanjiru wa Waya, and Wanja Asali, among others.
While the celebration did not have a formal theme, Cukura and his wife, Keziah, stood out in coordinated blue outfits, drawing admiration from the guests.
Most attendees were allowed to give speeches before making their contributions, and many spoke movingly about how Cukura’s life had transformed over a short period.
The party was also enlivened by performances from top Kigooco artistes, including Ruth wa Mum, who brought members of her church to dance with her on stage, creating a lively and memorable atmosphere.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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