Popular Kikuyu media personality and Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM) founder Bishop Ben Kamau, known as Muthee Kiengei, is facing backlash online over his controversial comments about Kenyan content creator Pritty Vishy.
During an interactive show on his JCM TV station, where he discussed marriage with his co-host, Kiengei suggested that some of his congregants were influenced by the relationship between musical artist Stivo Simple Boy and Pritty Vishy, which he criticized as mediocre.
This led to his harsh criticism of the pair, where he disparaged Pritty Vishy’s appearance and accused her of leveraging Stivo Simple Boy’s fame for clout.
“Pritty Vishy was preying on Stevo Simple Boy’s fame. Anataka kujulikana lakini kwa kunona. Si mrembo, hawezi kuimba, ama kuact…Pritty Vishy naye ni kunona tu. She’s not appealing,” he said implying that her looks were less than desirable.
The clip quickly went viral, catching the attention of Vishy, who was outraged by the clergyman’s comments. She confronted him directly, challenging him to repeat his remarks during Sunday Service at his church, which she vowed to attend.
“Bishop Ben, Lets meet in your church on Sunday, I want you to tell me in front of members and on that alter. I am used to being abused and body shaded by other people but a whole BISHOP?You are among the bishops and pastors that makes people like us hate church and since you have given me a reason to be back then i will come to you, ” she stated in response.
Among the celebrities who publicly condemned the bishop’s comments was rapper Femi One, who reshared the video and criticized Kiengei’s actions.
“This video done pissed me off on so many levels. This is a Bishop and on Sunday he will most likely be preaching about how we are all created in the likeliness of God !! …Distateful to say the least. It’s high time we have an honest conversation bout the clergy men in this country,” the rapper wrote.
Netizens suggested they would “greet” Kiengei at his Kamakis church, vowing to attend the service and address him over his degrading remarks.
As the backlash intensified, Bishop Kiengei, a former ordained priest at AIPCA church, was compelled to issue an apology to Pritty Vishy.
In his statement, Kiengei expressed sincere regret and pledged that such an incident would not be repeated. He also extended an invitation to Pritty Vishy to join his church, which he described as an inclusive space for all.
“Pritty Vishy, I am really sorry and I take this moment to highly apologise for mentioning your name in a show where I went overboard and mentioned you in the wrong way. Get a space in your heart to forgive me for addressing you in a wrong way. This will never happen in the future, I take it as my mistake. Pole my sister na karibu sana JCM Church, kanisa la watu wote,” he said,
Kiengei’s remarks followed closely after Vishy revealed to her fans that she was undergoing a self-improvement and personal transformation. She referred to it as being in a beauty lab and promised her followers that she would soon unveil her new look.
“I’m still in the beauty lab, working on myself, and once I’m done, you’ll love it even more,” Vishy said, emphasising her commitment to self-love and self-acceptance.
The outspoken content creator often discusses her struggles with online bullying. She revealed that she is now dedicated to embracing her authentic self and prioritizing her own needs in all her decisions.
