Prophet Victor Kanyari of the Salvation Healing Ministry has revealed to his congregation that he originally dreamt of becoming a professional boxer.
Speaking during a Sunday service at his church, the preacher explained his deep passion for the combat sport.
"Mimi kama singekuwa pastor I wanted to be a boxer," Kanyari told the congregation. "Nilikuwa natamani kuwa boxer. Mi nilikuwa naona kama naweza kuwa the best in boxing."
Kanyari stated that boxing was his favourite sport before his life took a spiritual turn.
"I really love boxing. That's my sport yenye nilikuwa napenda. Lakini sasa bahati ya Mungu nikakuwa pastor," he added.
The preacher also shared background details about his upbringing and why he initially chose ministry over boxing.
Kanyari grew up in a family with contrasting career paths. His mother, Prophetess Lucy Nduta, was a church minister, while his father served in law enforcement as a police officer.
> "Babangu ni inspekta wa polisi mama ni pastor," Kanyari recalled. “So nikaona baba vile anateseka usiku na kubeba bunduki,” he added.
Comparing his father's arduous duties with his mother's daily routine led the young Kanyari to rethink his future.
"Lakini nikaona mamangu anakaakaa analetewa mayai, kuku na wamama. Nikasema hata mimi nataka kuwa pastor."
Pastoral Expectations vs Reality
However, Kanyari noted that his experience in ministry turned out quite differently from what he had expected as a child.
He admitted to his congregation that being a pastor brought unexpected demands from followers rather than constant gifts.
"Maana kama pasta ni wa kupewa, lakini Mungu na yeye hakunipatia watu wa kunipea, alinipea watu wa kunidai," Kanyari remarked.
The televangelist specifically referenced recent online interactions and public spats on social media platforms.
Ministry Context
Founded by Kanyari, the Salvation Healing Ministry operates its primary church centre near Kayole Junction in Nairobi.
Over the years, the ministry has established a substantial broadcast and digital presence across Kenya, regularly streaming Sunday services and weekday evening fellowships to online viewers.
Pastor Victor Kanyari is widely known for his controversy, arising from a major 2014 TV expose about his infamous ‘Mbegu ya 310’.
