Kenyan preacher Bishop Benson Kiengei has publicly denied claims that he fathered his ex-churchmate Dama wa Spares' third child. Kiengei and Dama were best friends, and she was a matron at his JCC church before they fell out. The bishop took to social media to firmly deny the claims, expressing frustration at what he described as deliberate attempts to drag an innocent child into an online battle against him and his ministry.
In his post, Kiengei questioned why people were so invested in pinning the child's paternity on him, accusing some users of using artificial intelligence tools to manipulate the child's image to make her look like him. He expressed disappointment at the move, describing it as deeply disappointing. Kiengei also addressed the child's mother directly, urging her to shield the young one from social media noise and protect her dignity.
The paternity claims appear rooted in Kiengei's prior association with Dama wa Spares, with whom he had a publicly known fallout after they were once considered close within church circles. The bishop insists the speculation is baseless and motivated by a desire to discredit his gospel work. Kiengei's response triggered a wave of reactions, with Kenyans expressing a wide range of opinions on how the bishop chose to handle the matter.
Kenyans took to social media to share their thoughts on the matter, with some backing Kiengei and others urging him to stay quiet. Essy Shiru expressed concern about social media's impact, while Chloe Karish urged Kiengei to focus on his calling. Shiko Symon David was less sympathetic, suggesting the bishop needed wisdom. Pinnah Mungai suggested Kiengei take a quieter approach, citing Mary Lincoln as an example.
Francis Wanjohi reflected on the broader challenge of public life, noting that people will always talk, and it's essential to keep silent. The controversy comes after Dama wa Spares unveiled her youngest daughter, Baby Talia, to mark the baby's first birthday. A post on Talia's new Facebook page dropped a major hint about the identity of her father, sending Kenyans into a frenzy.
Dama wa Spares launched a dedicated Facebook page for Baby Talia, which quickly racked up thousands of followers. The page has become a subject of interest, with many speculating about the identity of the child's father. Kiengei's denial has not put an end to the speculation, with many still wondering about the child's parentage.
The incident highlights the challenges of public life, where individuals are subject to scrutiny and speculation. Kiengei's situation serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting individuals, especially children, from the noise of social media. As the controversy continues, Kenyans will be watching to see how the situation unfolds.
Key points
- Bishop Kiengei denies claims of fathering Dama wa Spares' third child.
- Kiengei accuses netizens of using AI to manipulate the child's image.
- The controversy has sparked a heated debate among Kenyans on social media.
