By Michelle Ndaga
Controversial televangelist Pastor Victor Kanyari has once again stirred public debate after roasting nyama choma Kenya’s traditional barbecued meat on the altar during a Sunday service at his Salvation Healing Ministry church in Nairobi on October 12, 2025.
Videos circulating on social media show the preacher cooking the meat during the service before distributing it to cheering congregants as part of what he described as a “communal blessing.” The spectacle drew comparisons to a similar incident last month when Kanyari roasted chicken inside the church, sparking a wave of online commentary.
While supporters praised the act as an expression of generosity and fellowship, critics accused the pastor of desecrating a sacred space and exploiting religious symbolism for attention.
Religious scholars and church leaders have described the move as part of the growing prosperity gospel culture in Kenya, which often blends performance and faith to attract large followings.
The controversy has also reignited debate around the Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, which seeks to enhance regulatory oversight of churches and other faith-based institutions amid growing concerns about abuse, unorthodox practices, and commercialized spirituality.
Pastor Kanyari, who has previously faced public scrutiny over alleged dubious miracles and financial impropriety, has defended his actions, insisting that his ministry promotes joy, unity, and divine provision.
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