NAIROBI, Kenya- Radio personality, comedian, and JCM Bishop Muthee Kiengei has sparked controversy after publicly endorsing President William Ruto’s broad-based government, drawing criticism for blending religion and politics.
In a Facebook post, Kiengei said, “I will not hate the president the people voted for, while insulting him in 2022. We warned you, but now it is you warning us.”
His remarks come amid growing debates over the role of religious leaders in political discourse.
Kiengei is known for hosting Mt. Kenya leaders aligned with the government at his church, events that often include large donations.
While he acknowledged his church’s significant following, he stressed his loyalty to ODM and party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.
He said, “I will do what the leader Oburu Odinga will say,” hinting at a possible alignment with Oburu’s anticipated support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
The endorsement has sparked a flurry of comments online, with critics accusing Kiengei of mixing religion and politics, a move seen as controversial in Kenya’s political landscape.
Supporters, however, view his remarks as a pragmatic approach to political leadership and party loyalty.