The Reason JCM Bishop Ben Kiengei is Trending After Hosting Ruto in His Church

Bishop Benson Gathungu, a man who wears many hats as a pastor, radio presenter, and comedian, is facing a wave of criticism. The founder of Jesus Christ Compassion Ministry (JCM) hosted President William Ruto at his church in Ruiru on Sunday.

The move has sparked an intense backlash from a section of young worshippers and Gen Z activists.

The Vow That Haunted the Pulpit

The controversy stems from a vow Kiengei made during the height of anti-government protests. At that time, the bishop reportedly promised never to allow politicians to speak from his pulpit.

He also stated he would not accept financial tokens from government officials.

Critics on the social media platform X have been quick to remind the Bishop of these words. During the protests, Kiengei was seen as a "darling" of the youth for his stance against the state.

Many now feel he has abandoned that position in exchange for political "goodies."

"Today, the same pulpit receives President William Ruto... He even lied that he was going to be a spiritual father to the Gen Zs." — #WeThePeopleKE Movement tweeted.

The Shadow of Boniface Kariuki

Much of the public anger is linked to the memory of Boniface Kariuki. Kariuki was a young mask vendor who was shot in the head by police during the protests.

Bishop Kiengei presided over Kariuki’s burial in July 2025, where he wept alongside the grieving family.

ALSO READ: Mask Vendor Boniface Kariuki Declared Brain Dead After Weeks on Life Support

While the service for President Ruto was ongoing at JCM, a group of TikTokers and Gen Zs reportedly visited Kariuki’s grave in Murang’a. They intended the visit to be a message to both the Bishop and the President that they have not forgotten the lives lost.

A Storm on Social Media

The internet is currently flooded with posts calling out the bishop. Some users on X suggested that Kiengei has a "rate card" for politicians. Others expressed disappointment, claiming that everyone has a price.

"Bishop Ben Kiengei leading prayers at Boniface Kariuki the mask seller's burial, today he is hosting Ruto. He might have forgotten but we have to [not] forgotten,” @Assweto tweeted.

Internal Friction and Resignations

The fallout from the President’s visit has extended inside the church’s leadership. Bishop Charles Wachira, who leads one of JCM’s branch in the US, announced his resignation shortly after the event.

According to reports, Wachira cited serious concerns regarding the ministry’s leadership principles and public engagements.

The reaction among the congregation has been equally strong. In Githurai 44, a regular worshipper filmed herself burning her branded JCM headscarf. She described the act as a symbolic rejection of the bishop's new direction.

Millions in "Goodies" and Heavy Security

Reports indicate that President Ruto did not arrive empty-handed. He reportedly brought millions of shillings in "goodies" for the ministry. According to posts on X, the President promised the church Ksh 8 million.