Nominated MP Sabina Chege was overcome with emotion during a service at Jesus Compassion Ministry, moved to tears as Bishop Ben Kiengei recounted the role she played in his life during his most difficult years.
In a video that has since gone viral, Sabina struggled to contain her emotions, at one point covering her face as Bishop Kiengei narrated how her kindness and support helped shape his journey.
“Were it not for you, I would never have met great people in my life who do me well and who always pray for me. May God bless you. You did me well,” Kiengei said, addressing a visibly emotional Sabina.
Reflecting on his beginnings, he recalled how Sabina consistently supported both him and popular Kikuyu presenter Ngoni Thuita during their early, uncertain years.
@anajons2
♬ original sound – HAPPINESS ??
“Ngoni (Wa Thuita) and I hang around you in the backseat of your car for years. As we speak, we both have established our homes and ourselves. Thank you for believing in us. We did not come from rich or prominent homes, but you believed in us,” he said.
Online, the video drew widespread admiration, with many Kenyans expressing fresh appreciation for Sabina after seeing a different side of her character.
“Politics aside, Sabina is good-hearted. I met her in 2007 at Coro FM radio when she was head of radio and opened doors for me to advertise my services,” one user wrote.
“Hakuna kitu ya maana like appreciating people who helped you in life,” commented another on TikTok.
“Give flowers to people when they’re alive,” added a third.
Who is Bishop Ben Kiengei?
Born Benson Gathungu Kamau, Bishop Ben is a prominent Kenyan figure whose life story reflects a dramatic transformation, from the high-energy world of secular entertainment to the solemn calling of ministry.
For years, he was popularly known by his stage name, Muthee Kiengei, a name he earned during his days as a motorcycle mechanic.
His journey began in hardship.
Born the last of nine children in Nakuru County in 1986, Kiengei grew up in a family strained by financial difficulties following his parents’ retirement.
The circumstances forced him to drop out of school in Form Two.
To make ends meet, he worked as a houseboy before securing a job as a messenger in Nakuru town.
His natural ingenuity later emerged when he learned how to assemble motorcycles, skills that enabled him to open a boda boda garage.
In 2006, he made a successful entry into media through street comedy and local film productions, eventually landing a coveted radio role at a popular vernacular station.
For nearly a decade, he co-hosted a hit morning show, solidifying his place as a national household name, celebrated for his humour and relatability.
Kiengei later pursued theological training, becoming ordained under the African Independent Pentecostal Churches of Africa before branching out to establish his own ministry, Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM).