A heated exchange has erupted between popular preacher Bishop Muthee Kiengei and Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia, following a sermon in which the outspoken man of God rebuked young politicians for what he described as a growing lack of respect toward elders in Kenya’s political sphere. Though Kiengei never mentioned names, many believe his comments were directed at the first-term MP—and Kururia’s explosive reaction only fueled that speculation.
During a recent church service, Kiengei addressed what he called the “decay of decorum” among some of the country’s younger leaders. In a pointed message that resonated across the political and religious divide, the preacher warned against normalizing disrespect in the name of political freedom.
“You can even see now there is no more respect. A young politician, around 35 years old, just left school the other day, but he speaks to older leaders like they’re age mates. Even if we lack respect for politicians, let’s have respect for parents,” Kiengei said, igniting speculation online about who his message targeted.
Kururia was quick to fire back.
In a now-deleted Facebook rant, the MP hurled accusations and veiled threats at the preacher, promising to expose alleged “scandals” involving Kiengei’s recent trip to the United Kingdom. “Cheza na mimi nitoe scandal ya UK,” he wrote, suggesting he had damaging information about the bishop’s overseas engagements. Kururia also took a jab at the bishop’s spiritual credibility, claiming his prayers “don’t even pass the clouds.”
The back-and-forth has since escalated beyond politics and religion, becoming a trending topic across social media platforms, where Kenyans are sharply divided. Supporters of Kiengei applauded him for speaking boldly against youthful arrogance, while Kururia’s defenders called out what they perceived as clerical overreach into political territory.
Comments flooded platforms like Facebook and TikTok. One user wrote, “Volume bishop,” while another asked, “Weh, ni bishop ama politician anaongea?” Others praised the preacher’s courage: “Tell them the truth, Bishop!”
Still, Kururia had his fair share of backers who warned against using the pulpit for political attacks. “You look innocent until you talk,” one user noted, referencing the bishop’s viral sermon, while another added, “Kachai tena loading,” anticipating a rebuttal.
Beyond the online drama, the incident highlights a growing tension between Kenya’s political class and outspoken clergy. Kiengei has never shied away from weighing in on national matters. In an earlier sermon, he cautioned President William Ruto against constructing a Christian-only church at State House, calling instead for a multi-faith prayer centre that reflects Kenya’s religious diversity.
The preacher’s consistent calls for accountability and ethical leadership have earned him both admiration and criticism, but the spat with Kururia appears to have crossed into personal territory—fueled by a generational divide and the politicisation of the pulpit.
As the debate rages, one thing is clear: Kenya’s evolving political culture is clashing head-on with traditional values, and figures like Bishop Kiengei are determined to speak out—regardless of the backlash. Whether this confrontation cools down or escalates further remains to be seen, but for now, both the church and Parliament appear firmly in the spotlight.
