Bishop Kiengei to cut church service short so congregants can watch Kenya vs Zambia
Bishop Ben Kiengei, head pastor of Jesus Christ Compassionate Ministry (JCM), has announced plans to cut his Sunday service short to accommodate congregants eager to watch the crucial Kenya versus Zambia football clash.
The man of God, speaking to his congregation ahead of the game on Sunday, August 17, 2025, said the match is of national significance as Kenya is now advancing to the quarter-finals.
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He emphasised the importance of collective prayer, urging church members to support the national team with the same passion they bring to worship.
“Today we want to finish early. This afternoon, we have the JCM church sports session. Today, our nation is playing, so let us pray for our country just as we pray in church, because today’s football match between Kenya and Zambia is very important. We are now heading to the quarter-finals. If we win today, let us pray that Kenya wins all its games at home, because if we lose here, we will not see them play again, they will go to play in Tanzania,” Kiengei announced.
According to Bishop Kiengei, large screens will be set up in the church to allow worshippers to follow the game live.
He revealed that the church recently invested in a TV and paid for DStv to ensure congregants, especially the youth, can enjoy the match within the church premises.
He also mentioned that the church will host a social gathering afterwards, where members will eat, drink, and watch other major football fixtures, including the Arsenal versus Manchester United game.
“After that, there is the Arsenal versus Manchester United match. Pray for me because I have made a bet with someone: if Arsenal wins, he will give me a goat, and if Manchester United wins, I will give him a full goat,” he said.
Adding,
“Today, a TV will be set up in the church so people can watch the matches here. I bought the TV myself, and someone also gifted funds to support the church. I also paid for DStv so we could watch Tottenham’s game yesterday, together with the church youth. Once the service ends, the youth and all congregants will watch the games here. We will also eat and drink together.”
Watching in clubs
The pastor further used the opportunity to caution young congregants against watching football matches in clubs and bars, warning that such habits can lead to corruption and moral compromise.
Kiengei noted that even those like him who have previously indulged in drinking know how easily it can start as a casual activity and escalate over time.
He encouraged members to enjoy sports within a safe and morally upright environment, ensuring that their faith remains uncompromised.
“I want the mothers and elders of this church to watch here. I do not want to hear that young people are going to clubs to watch football. We are discouraging that. Even if you go to watch in a bar and you are a good person, over time you can become corrupted. One day you will drink excessively. Even we who used to drink in the past started like that.”
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Steve Ireri
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