“One Million Per Day”: Kanyari’s

Controversial televangelist Pastor Victor Kanyari has once again ignited national debate after openly admitting that he made up to KSh1 million per day for four years through the infamous “310 church business.”

Speaking candidly during a recent interview, Kanyari revealed the scale of wealth he accumulated from the practice, a disclosure that has shocked many Kenyans and reopened conversations about faith, exploitation, and accountability within religious institutions.

“One Million Per Day”: Kanyari’s Stunning Admission

According to Pastor Kanyari, the 310 church business was extremely lucrative at its peak. He claimed that on an average day, contributions from congregants would amount to approximately KSh1 million, driven largely by believers responding to teachings surrounding the symbolic “310” seed offering.

“I was making one million per day for four years,” Kanyari stated, adding that the system was consistent and predictable as long as sermons continued and followers believed in the message.

By his own admission, the earnings ran into hundreds of millions of shillings, making the venture one of the most profitable church-based operations in Kenya’s recent history.

What Was the 310 Church Business?

The 310 church business revolved around encouraging congregants to plant a “seed” of KSh310, which Kanyari claimed was spiritually significant and guaranteed blessings, miracles, or financial breakthroughs.

The concept gained massive traction through:

• Television sermons

• Social media preaching

• Emotional testimonies

• Promises of divine returns

Thousands of followers reportedly sent money daily, many believing the offering would transform their lives.

Four Years of Massive Cash Flow

Kanyari revealed that the operation ran smoothly for about four years, with minimal resistance until public scrutiny intensified. During this period, he expanded his lifestyle, reportedly acquiring:

• Expensive vehicles

• Prime real estate

• A high-profile media presence

The confession confirms long-held suspicions that the church operation was highly commercialised, blurring the line between spiritual leadership and business enterprise.

Public Reaction: Shock, Anger, and Validation

Kenyans online reacted with a mix of outrage, disbelief, and grim validation. Many said the confession confirmed what critics of prosperity preaching have long argued — that some religious leaders exploit faith for profit.

Others expressed sympathy for congregants who sacrificed money they could barely afford, believing they were sowing seeds for a better future.

“This is not religion, it is business disguised as faith,” one social media user commented.

However, a section of the public defended Kanyari, arguing that giving was voluntary and that followers chose to participate.

Ethical Questions Around Faith and Money

Kanyari’s admission has revived ethical debates around:

• Prosperity gospel

• Financial transparency in churches

• Regulation of religious institutions

Critics argue that faith leaders wield immense influence and therefore have a moral responsibility not to exploit emotional vulnerability, poverty, or desperation.

Religious scholars note that while churches require funds to operate, turning sermons into revenue machines crosses ethical lines, especially when miracles are monetised.

Kanyari: Regret or Just Honesty?

While admitting the earnings, Kanyari stopped short of expressing full remorse, framing his confession as honesty rather than guilt. He argued that he has since changed, learned lessons, and moved on from the controversial practices.

However, many Kenyans remain unconvinced, pointing out that no refunds or reparations were ever made to followers who gave sacrificially.

The confession has reignited calls for:

• Church financial audits

• Clear separation of faith and commerce

• Consumer-style protections for congregants

Government and Church Regulation Debate

Kenya has long struggled with whether — and how — to regulate churches. Previous attempts to introduce oversight laws have stalled amid resistance from religious groups citing freedom of worship.

Kanyari’s revelation strengthens arguments from those calling for:

• Mandatory financial disclosures

• Registration of religious organisations

• Oversight of televised religious fundraising

Supporters of regulation argue that faith should not be a loophole for unchecked enrichment.

Lessons for Believers

Faith leaders and theologians have urged believers to:

• Question teachings that guarantee wealth

• Avoid giving beyond their means

• Separate spirituality from financial promises

They stress that genuine faith should not be based on transactional miracles but on personal belief, ethics, and community support.

A Mirror to Kenyan Society

Beyond Kanyari himself, the episode reflects broader social realities — including poverty, unemployment, and desperation — that make miracle promises appealing.

Experts say as long as economic hardship persists, vulnerable citizens will continue seeking hope wherever it is offered, including in churches that monetise belief.

Conclusion

Pastor Victor Kanyari’s admission that he earned KSh1 million per day for four years from the 310 church business has reignited a national reckoning on religion, money, and accountability in Kenya.

While his confession confirms long-standing allegations