Pastor Kanyari says Gachagua privately urged him to join his political side
By Steve Ireri, May 17, 2026Salvation Healing Ministry founder Victor Kanyari has opened up about a recent political conversation he had with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claiming the politician urged him to join his political camp ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during his Sunday, May 17, 2026, church service, Kanyari said he recently met and greeted Gachagua, after which the former deputy president called him aside for a private conversation regarding politics and his Kasarani parliamentary ambitions.
According to Kanyari, Gachagua told him that if he intends to win the Kasarani MP seat, he would need to align himself with his political side.
“The other day I met and greeted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and he called me aside. He told me that if I want to win, I should either join him or I will fail in my Kasarani MP bid,” Kanyari said.
The preacher further revealed that Gachagua questioned him about where he stands politically, asking whether he supports his opposition camp or President William Ruto’s side.
Kanyari explained that he avoided declaring his political allegiance during the conversation, instead telling Gachagua that they would speak further at another time.
“I did not respond to that, so I just told him I would look for him so that we could talk. He asked me whether I am on his opposition side or on President Ruto’s side,” he said.
He added that the former deputy president appeared highly confident about his political influence, especially among Kikuyu voters.
According to Kanyari, Gachagua told him he had already won the hearts of many Kikuyus and had built strong support within the community.
The preacher also remarked that criticism against Gachagua among Kikuyu supporters has become increasingly difficult due to the loyalty he currently commands from a section of the community.
“I also never declared to him which side I support; I just told him I would look for him. But Gachagua told me, and he was very proud and confident, that he had already won the hearts of all Kikuyus. He is deep in them. And right now, by the way, it is hard to speak ill of Gachagua to Kikuyus,” Pastor Kanyari said.