Rev John Muriithi confirms departure from Kiengei’s JCM Church to start new ministry
By Steve Ireri, May 24, 2026Reverend John Muriithi has confirmed his departure from Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) Church in Nyeri, where he served under the leadership of Bishop Benson Kiengei, as he announced plans to embark on a new ministry journey.
In an emotional message shared on Facebook on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Muriithi expressed gratitude for his time at JCM, stating that he had grown spiritually and personally during his 2 years and 5 months of service in different leadership roles, including Chairman JCM NPEC, Overseer Nyeri Region, and pastor of the Nyeri local church.
He noted that his journey in Nyeri began when he arrived with no connections and little support, but said God had been faithful throughout his ministry work, helping him grow and impact many lives along the way.
“I appreciate the time I have served under #JCMCHURCH. Thank you, Your Grace Bishop Benson Gathungu Kamau for the time I have served under you as the Chairman of JCM NPEC, as the Overseer of Nyeri Region and as a pastor of the Nyeri local church. As I have surely grown, learnt and become, so has many other people with me. This has been 2 years and 5 months. Though I was still in the limelight when I started, I came to Nyeri knowing no one and having nothing… but God has been truly faithful,” Muriithi wrote.,
Rev Muriithi further stated that his time at JCM had come to an end and emphasised that there was no dispute over church property or leadership matters, saying everything belonged to the members and services would continue as normal as he transitions.
“I want to categorically say that, as my time to move on has come, Tūtikūguucanīria mundu kana kīndū o na kīmwe. Whatever is there belongs to the members. We will be in church as usual, and I will give more developments,” he shared.
However, he raised concerns over incidents involving individuals he described as goons, who he claimed were influenced to cause chaos at the church venue.
He said that the group attempted to create a negative perception of dissatisfaction within the church following leadership decisions regarding the transformation to The WORD Church.
“Goons have been pressured from unknown sources to come and create chaos in the church venue today. This is to create a perception in public that they are members of JCM Church Nyeri and that they are truly dissatisfied with the decision that was reached by the church leadership and true members concerning our transformation to The WORD Church. Why do I say ‘goons’?” Muriithi wrote.
The pastor further claimed that the individuals had previously interfered with church property, including damaging a billboard and attempting to access and lock down the facility, though he maintained that genuine members would not act in such a manner.
“Genuine members wouldn’t do so at night but in the light of day. Last night they terrorised the watchmen, pulled down the billboard and tried to access and lock down the facility,” he added.
Despite the tensions, Muriithi insisted that there was no contention within the church, urging members to remain calm and continue worship as a clearer direction is provided in the coming days.
He emphasised that the gospel must continue to be preached in and out of season.
“I PROMISE EVERYONE CONCERNED THAT THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO CONTENTION FOR ANYTHING. Tupatane Kanisani tuhubiri Neno la Mungu as I give clearer direction. The WORD must be preached in and out of season. Thank you!” he wrote.
How did Kiengei react to Muriithi’s exit?
Following his announcement, Bishop Kiengei, the founder of JCM Church, publicly congratulated Rev Muriithi, describing him as a dedicated servant who had served faithfully under the ministry’s compassion and grace.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate Rev. Muriithi on his new juncture in the Ministry. He came to JCM CHURCH and served well under the compassion of Grace,” he wrote.
Kiengei noted that Rev Muriithi had been received into ministry through JCM’s foundation in Nyeri and had played a key role in building the church’s presence in the region.
He further extended his blessings to the departing pastor, wishing him well in his next chapter of ministry and describing his transition as part of a “season of becoming” while celebrating his contribution to the church.
“As a father who received him from the Priesthood Church and paved a way in the foundation of JCM NYERI, I pass my blessing to Rev Muriithi and his family… It’s a season of Becoming…….. once again Congratulations, our Rev,” Kiengei added.
