Pastor Victor Kanyari, the founder of the Salvation Healing Church, is no stranger to public controversy. The controversial preacher, who gained notoriety for asking followers to "sow" a Sh310 "miracle seed," has once again ignited a fierce debate in Kenya's religious space. This time, the focus is on a new Sh300 monthly registration fee that he is demanding from his congregants. The move, announced during a recent church service, has raised ethical questions and a sense of deja vu for those familiar with his past.
Kanyari’s justification for the new fee is both practical and unapologetic. He argues that it is a necessary measure to ensure loyalty and commitment from his followers. In a bold and firm statement, he explained that the fee is designed to create a clear boundary between those who are truly part of his ministry and those who simply want to take advantage of his goodwill. "Everybody must register with KSh 300. Don’t come and demand a private meeting with me in my office. I won’t meet you," he stated, adding that people who are not his congregants should seek help from their own religious institutions.
According to Kanyari, the registration model is a way to formalize the relationship between the church and its members. He likened it to the strict procedures that institutions like banks have for offering financial support, emphasizing that just as a bank would not give a loan to a non-customer, his church would not extend assistance to those who are not officially registered. He also made it clear that the Sh300 is not a one-time contribution but a recurring monthly fee, reinforcing his view that commitment must be consistent.
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This new policy has been met with skepticism by many who see it as another attempt to monetize faith. The memory of the "Sh310 saga" is still fresh in the minds of the public, and the new requirement has reignited concerns that the preacher is exploiting the faith of unsuspecting followers.
In his defense, Kanyari maintained that his approach is not exploitative but practical and necessary. He reiterated that it is unfair for people who have no relationship with his ministry to expect him to solve their problems. He argued that every church has its own leaders and systems of support, and people should seek help from their own communities. According to him, the Sh300 registration model creates accountability for both the congregants and the church leadership, ensuring that assistance is directed toward those who are truly invested in the ministry.
