Pastor Kanyari says Ruto should accept Kikuyus will not dump Gachagua
By Steve Ireri, May 24, 2026Salvation Healing Ministry founder Pastor Victor Kanyari has urged President William Ruto to be cautious in his political approach, claiming that the Kikuyu community cannot dump former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua due to strong emotional and political attachment.
Speaking during his Sunday, May 24, 2026, service, Kanyari suggested that Gachagua remains deeply rooted in the hearts of many Kikuyu supporters, adding that the community has already made up its mind on where their loyalty lies.
“Right now, Rigathi Gachagua is deep in the hearts of all Kikuyus, and I hope you all agree with me on that. That means there is nothing President Ruto can do,” he said.
The preacher claimed that at the moment, Kikuyus are firmly aligned with Gachagua and are openly supporting the one-term movement, insisting that the shift in loyalty is difficult to reverse.
Kanyari further told Ruto that no amount of political strategy, persuasion, or pressure could easily change the current ground reality, saying the former deputy president has already penetrated the hearts of many supporters.
“Even if he jumps or kneels, he cannot change that because all Kikuyus right now are saying they are behind Gachagua and they are supporting the one-term movement. There is nothing that can be done,” he added.
He added that leaders must understand the importance of winning people’s trust, noting that political influence is built through emotional connection rather than force or authority.
The preacher emphasised that public sentiment is now strongly tied to Gachagua, warning that ignoring this reality could prove politically costly.
“Gachagua has managed to penetrate their hearts, and that is why I am urging you all in my sermon today to always look for ways to win people’s hearts,” he said.
Gachagua’s appeal to Kanyari
Separately, the self-styled televangelist claimed that Gachagua 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.