Bishop Muthee ‘Ben’ Kiengei, a popular preacher and church leader, has recently sparked controversy following comments he made during an interview on his own TV station, JCM TV. During the interview with presenter Lizz Wangui, Kiengei made remarks that many have interpreted as body-shaming online influencer Pritty Vishy.
Kiengei, known for his humorous and personalized preaching style, initially discussed various topics but eventually shifted the conversation to musician Stevo Simple Boy and his former girlfriend, Pritty Vishy. While mimicking Stevo Simple Boy’s accent, Kiengei belittled their past relationship, alleging that Pritty Vishy was only seeking attention and popularity from Stevo Simple Boy, lacking any talent of her own. He went on to make disparaging comments about her appearance, saying, “Pritty Vishy was preying on Stevo Simple Boy’s fame. She wants to be known, but through gaining weight. She’s not beautiful, she can’t sing…she’s not pretty, let’s be honest… She’s not appealing…”
The discussion continued with further mockery of the pair, leading to widespread backlash once the video circulated online. Many Kenyans condemned the Bishop’s remarks as insensitive and inappropriate, particularly given his position as a religious leader. Among the critics was popular rapper Femi One, who expressed her anger on social media, questioning the Bishop’s integrity and the host’s enabling behavior.
Pritty Vishy herself responded to the incident, criticizing Bishop Kiengei for his comments and challenging him to a public confrontation at his church. She called him a hypocrite and questioned his teachings and respect for women, highlighting the contradiction between his public persona and his remarks.
As the controversy grew, Bishop Kiengei, who was formerly an ordained priest at AIPCA before founding his own church, JCM, issued a public apology to Pritty Vishy. In his apology, he expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging that he had crossed a line and assuring that such an incident would not happen again. He also invited her to his church, hoping for forgiveness.
Pritty Vishy has faced consistent online harassment related to her appearance, weight, and fashion sense over the years. In 2022, she posted a video where she tearfully pleaded for the online bullying to stop, reflecting on the pain such comments have caused her. Despite the ongoing challenges, Vishy has continued to advocate for self-acceptance and resilience in the face of cyberbullying.
