Kanakaris was elected as a headsman of Patras in 1785, and became one of the most influential Greek magnates in the Morea. While serving as the province's representative to the Porte, he became a member of the Filiki Eteria. During the Greek War of Independence, he served as a member of the Peloponnesian Senate and of the First National Assembly at Epidaurus, and contributed from his personal fortune to the Greek cause.
Kanakaris was elected leader of Patras in 1785, emerging as one of the most influential Greek nobles in the Morea. As the province's representative to the Ottoman Empire, he joined the Filiki Eteria. During the Greek struggle for independence, he held important positions in the Peloponnesian Senate and the First National Assembly at Epidaurus, utilizing his personal resources to support the Greek movement.