The bishop, undeterred by warnings of online backlash and curses, explained how he brushed off the concerns, emphasizing his long history of facing criticism in both his personal life and ministry.
Speaking to his congregation, Kiengei recounted how his brother, also a pastor in a rural village, called him upon hearing that President Ruto was scheduled to visit the JCM church.
The brother expressed worry over the flood of negative comments on social media, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where critics were harshly condemning the invitation.
"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," Kiengei shared.
He added that his brother questioned whether the president would still attend given the "curses" being directed at him.
Despite the familial caution, Kiengei remained resolute. He dismissed the fears, pointing out that criticism has been a constant in his life, from his days before entering the ministry to his current role as a prominent pastor.
"I asked him, ‘When have I ever failed to be criticised? People do it every time,’" the bishop recalled. He further noted that his brother wasn't even active on TikTok but had been shown the negative posts by others in the village. "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," Kiengei elaborated, adding that even close associates had asked if he was worried about the curses. His response? "Why should I worry?"
This revelation comes amid ongoing controversy following Ruto's visit to the church on February 22, 2026, during the third anniversary celebrations of JCM.
The president arrived with a heavy security detail, was welcomed with a red carpet, and participated in the service where Kiengei introduced various church groups, including men, women, and youth representatives.
Kiengei's decision to host Ruto marked a perceived shift from his earlier public stance. In July 2025, during the height of anti-government protests, the bishop presided over the burial of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was fatally shot by police during the demonstrations.
At the time, Kiengei openly criticized the government and claimed Kariuki was a member of his church.He had also vowed not to allow politicians on his pulpit, positioning himself as an ally to the youth, particularly Gen Z, who led the protests.
However, Kariuki's mother later denied these claims, stating her son was not a JCM member and that the burial arrangements were handled by a cousin.
During the February visit, Ruto praised the church's work and pledged KSh 8 million in donations: KSh 3 million as a three-year bursary for needy children and KSh 5 million to support a community initiative similar to the NYOTA program, which has benefited 120,000 people.
The president was accompanied by high-profile figures, including ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, and MPs Sabina Chege and Kimani Ichung'wah.
The event triggered immediate outrage, especially from young Kenyans who accused Kiengei of hypocrisy and betrayal.
Social media erupted with comments labeling the move as "Betrayal in the City," drawing parallels to Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Critics like Emcee MC Chris Kirubi Junior had urged Kiengei to use the platform to remind Ruto of the sacrifices made by Gen Z during the protests.
One netizen, Steve Muthee, quipped, "Worry no more Judas betrayed Jesus himself the saviour....3cents🤔." Others, such as John Nhoj, mocked Kiengei's frequent motivational posts post-event: "Umekuwa motivational speaker since Sunday, what happened??..Muhunjia muhurunji."
The fallout extended within the church itself. Pastor Charles Wachira of JCM USA resigned on February 22, citing concerns over leadership decisions that he believed undermined calls for justice and accountability, particularly for Gen Z.
In his statement, Wachira referenced biblical verses warning against calling "evil good" and urging advocacy for the oppressed.
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