Don’t leave your place of prayer – Kiengei says as pastors exit JCM after Ruto’s visit
By Charles Ouma, March 11, 2026Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM) founder Benson Gathungu, popularly known as Bishop Kiengei, has put out a prayerful statement following a recent wave of exits from his church that came after he hosted President William Ruto.
The popular preacher noted in his statement that people will always fight what they don’t understand, referencing the Biblical experience of Hanna and Eli.
“People will often fight what they do not understand. When Hannah was at the altar, Eli thought she was drunk—but Hannah wasn’t under the influence of wine; she was under the influence of a heavenly burden,” he stated on Facebook on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Kiengei acknowledges debates of men
Acknowledging that men will always talk, Kiengei emphasised the importance of not listening to the debates of men and instead focusing on the opinions of heaven.
“If you are at a point of deep pain, hear this: Your miracle isn’t in the debates of men; it is at the Altar. Listen to the opinion of Heaven, not the debates of men. What they call “madness,” God calls “intercession”,” he said.
Without referring to the events that have unfolded in his church in recent days, Kiengei urged people not to leave their places of prayer.
“Don’t leave your place of prayer; your miracle is stationed there,” he stated.
Leaning on his faith, Kiengei urged his followers to take their pain to God in prayer.
“Some burdens are too heavy for words. Take that unspoken pain to the Altar; He hears the language of your soul,” he added.
Recent events at JCM
The flamboyant preacher hosted President William Ruto at his church on February 22,2026 as JCM marked its third anniversary.
This was swiftly followed by the exit of yet another high-ranking official within the file and ranks of JCM after James Njoroge quit JCM.
“I have been soul-searching myself, and I have seen it worthy to step down from the church. This comes as a polite notice that henceforth, I, Njoroge James, and my family will no longer serve in JCM,” he stated on Facebook on Thursday, March 5, 2026.