According to the bishop, his brother called him with genuine concern. He had heard that the Head of State was expected to attend a service at JCM and feared that the backlash on social media was becoming too intense.
Many online users had questioned the decision to host the President, while others posted messages attacking the preacher directly.
“My brother called me and told me that he had heard the President was coming to my JCM church,” Bishop Kiengei said from the pulpit.
“He raised concern that people were criticising me and even cursing me online over hosting him.”
The bishop said his brother wondered whether it was wise to go ahead with the visit under such pressure.
The criticism, he noted, was not just mild disagreement but included strong words from people who felt the church should stay away from politics.
However, Bishop Kiengei told his congregation that he was not shaken by the reaction.
He explained that facing criticism is something he has grown used to over the years.
In his view, leadership especially in ministry often attracts opinions from all sides.
“I asked him, ‘When have I ever failed to be criticised? People do it every time,’” he told the worshippers, drawing murmurs of agreement from the crowd.
The preacher went on to share that even before he became a pastor, he had been the subject of public talk.
He reminded the church that his journey into ministry followed a major change in his life.
After turning away from his former lifestyle to serve God, he said, not everyone welcomed his transformation. Some doubted him, while others openly questioned his decision.
Despite that, he remained firm in his calling. Bishop Kiengei said those experiences taught him that criticism is part of growth and service.
For him, negative comments are not new and cannot stop him from doing what he believes is right.
He also stressed that the church doors are open to everyone, regardless of their position in society.
In his words, a house of worship should not turn people away because of their status.
He maintained that hosting a leader does not mean aligning the church with politics but offering a place for prayer and fellowship.