Kenya’s prominent religious leader, Pastor Victor Kanyari, appears to have thrown his support behind President William Ruto, days after publicly clarifying his political stance.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, via his official Facebook account, Kanyari urged Kenyans to embrace unity and support for the President.
“Guys, pendeni Ruto, nitawaambia why,” he wrote,
encouraging citizens to show solidarity with the nation’s leadership.
Kanyari’s Political Ambitions
This endorsement comes shortly after Kanyari hinted at a potential run for a political seat in the 2027 general elections. During a church service at his Salvation Healing Ministry on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the self-proclaimed prophet reflected on his past political affiliations and expressed uncertainty about his future involvement in politics.
Kanyari revealed that he was a staunch supporter of the late Raila Odinga, having voted for him in previous elections. However, following Odinga’s death, he expressed hesitation about participating in future elections unless he decides to contest for a political position himself.
“Mimi nilikuwa mtu wa Raila Odinga, wakati wa Uhuru nilimsupport tukaanguka, sasa amekufa. Sita chagua mimi tena raisi labda sasa vile nataka kusimama ka kiti kengine. Sijui ata kama nitasimama nitajaribu, na nitasimama hiyo wakati, otherwise ssingechagua,” Kanyari explained.
He added that his engagement with political news has declined since the passing of the ODM leader:
“Mimi sionangi news, nilikuwa naona news kwa sababu ya Raila Odinga, sasa juu alikufa. I no longer watch news,” he said,
noting a shift in focus away from politics.
Political Advice and Warnings
Pastor Kanyari also cautioned politicians and the public against using viral campaign phrases such as “wantam” and “tutam”, which have become common in political discourse ahead of the upcoming elections.
“Jitokeza ufanye kazi wacha kusema wantam, tutam,” he advised,
emphasizing the importance of action over slogans in political engagement.
