Bishop Kiengei reveals how he reacted after his blood brother warned him against hosting Ruto
By Steve Ireri, March 1, 2026Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM) founder Bishop Benson Kiengei has opened up about a private conversation with his brother, who cautioned him over the backlash he was receiving for hosting William Ruto at his church.
Speaking while preaching on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the bishop revealed that his brother reached out after learning that the president was set to visit his church in Ruiru, raising concern over the criticism directed at him on social media.
He stated that his brother questioned whether it was wise to proceed with the visit, noting that many people were criticising and cursing him online, Bishop Kiengei shared.
“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,” he shared.
The preacher, however, dismissed the concerns, saying he was already accustomed to criticism throughout his life and ministry.
“I asked him, ‘When have I ever failed to be criticised? People do it every time,” he said.
He further noted that his brother, who is also a pastor preaching in the village, was not even on TikTok, where most of the criticism was being shared, 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,” he shared.
He added that even those close to him had raised concerns about the criticism and online attacks, questioning whether he was worried.
Bishop Kiengei maintained that he saw no reason to be concerned, insisting that criticism had always been part of his journey and would not deter him.
“. I told him people always tell me off. 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.
Ruto’s red carpet welcome
The Head of State arrived at the church with a heavy security detail and was received by the bishop, who rolled out a red carpet and ushered him into the service.
During the event, Bishop Kiengei introduced various groups within the church to the president, including men, women, and youth representatives, as part of the service proceedings.
However, his decision to host the president drew backlash, particularly from sections of Gen Z and online personalities who accused him of changing his stance after previously positioning himself as a supporter of young people.
Some critics urged him to use the opportunity to address the struggles and sacrifices made by young Kenyans, especially during recent protests, while others questioned his association with the government.