Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM) founder Bishop Benson Kiengei has opened up about a private conversation with his brother concerning the criticism he faced for hosting President William Ruto at his church in Ruiru.
Speaking during a sermon on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Bishop Kiengei revealed that his brother contacted him after learning about the president’s scheduled visit. He expressed concern over the backlash the bishop had received online, questioning whether it was wise to proceed with the event given the criticism and cursing he had reportedly attracted on social media.
“My brother called me and told me that he had heard the President was coming to my JCM church, and he raised concern that people were criticising me online over hosting him,” Bishop Kiengei shared.
The bishop, however, dismissed the concerns, explaining that criticism has been a consistent part of his life and ministry. He noted that even before joining the ministry, he had faced backlash, particularly after turning away from his previous lifestyle to serve in the church.
“I asked him, ‘When have I ever failed to be criticised? People do it every time,’” he said.
Bishop Kiengei added that his brother, also a pastor serving in a village, was not actively on TikTok—the platform where much of the criticism had been posted but had only been shown the negative content by others.
“You know my brother is also a pastor and preaches in the village, and now I wonder who in the village focuses on asking him questions about such stuff. And note that he is not even on TikTok, where the criticism towards me was being posted; he was only being shown content of the criticism directed at me by someone else. He asked me whether the President would still come even with how people were cursing me,” Bishop Kiengei shared.
He further recounted that even those close to him had questioned whether he was concerned about the online backlash. The bishop insisted that he saw no reason to worry, emphasizing that criticism had always been part of his journey.
“All my years in ministry, even when I left drinking to go and be ordained to become a pastor, I have always received criticism. Even when you look back, you will note that I have always been criticised. Until those close to me were asking me if I was not worried that people were cursing me, and I asked them, ‘Why should I worry?’” Kiengei added.
Red Carpet Welcome for the President
Bishop Kiengei hosted President William Ruto at JCM on Sunday, February 22, 2026, a move that sparked significant online debate. The Head of State arrived with a heavy security detail and was welcomed with a red carpet, after which he was ushered into the service.
During the event, the bishop introduced the president to various groups within the church, including men, women, and youth representatives, as part of the proceedings.
However, the decision to host the president drew criticism, particularly from sections of Gen Z and online personalities. Some accused Bishop Kiengei of changing his stance after previously positioning himself as a youth advocate. Others called on him to address the struggles and sacrifices faced by young Kenyans during recent protests, while some questioned his association with the government.
Bishop Kiengei’s reflections underscore the complex intersection of faith, leadership, and public scrutiny, highlighting how prominent religious figures navigate criticism in the digital age.
