Bishop Benson Kiengei, a prominent Kenyan preacher, has publicly denied rumors that he is the biological father of a child belonging to Dama wa Spares, a popular businesswoman and former church member. In a Facebook post on Monday, September 28, 2026, Kiengei stated that he was reluctant to address the matter but felt compelled to speak out after images appeared to have been digitally altered to make the child resemble him. He accused online users of using AI to manipulate the images.
Kiengei questioned why people were invested in forcing the narrative, writing that they should stop trying to make the child belong to him. He framed the allegations as part of a broader attempt to undermine his ministry, suggesting critics were hoping the child would turn out to be his so they could use it against his religious work. The Jesus Christ Compassion Ministries (JCM) leader wrote in Kikuyu that he was aware of who he was and urged people to stop pursuing what he described as a battle that was neither theirs nor his.
The prominent clergyman also directed a message at the child's mother, Dama wa Spares, asking her to shield her child from the online noise. He urged her to spare her child all the online nonsense and respectfully preserve her child's dignity. Kiengei and Dama, the CEO and founder of Dama Mobile Spares in Nairobi, were close friends for many years, and she was a matron at his JCC church until their infamous fallout.
Kiengei's public response has drawn mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some questioning why he chose to respond at all. Some social media users have expressed opinions on the matter, with Nyamburah Mwangi writing that if Kiengei knew the images were AI-generated, he should not be bothered. Diof Creater commented that the more Kiengei tries to justify himself, the deeper he is dragged into the mud.
Others have defended Kiengei, with Gakunyi Wa Kibugi writing that no weapons formed against him will prosper. Kui Gichanga, however, noted that silence is golden and that wisdom is not for everyone, questioning why Kiengei responded publicly. Nash Ngare expressed concern that those underage who are exposed online may sue for damages when they come of age.
The controversy surrounding Kiengei's personal life is not new. His ex-wife, Keziah wa Kariuki, recently confirmed that her marriage to businessman George Njoroge had ended, and she was now single. Kiengei has not been involved in any recent scandals, but his response to the paternity rumors has sparked a heated debate online.
The Facebook post by Bishop Benson Kiengei addressing the paternity allegations has sparked a significant amount of discussion and debate among Kenyans. While some have supported Kiengei's decision to respond, others have criticized him for engaging with the rumors. The incident highlights the challenges faced by public figures in managing their personal lives and online presence.
Key points
- Bishop Benson Kiengei denies fathering Dama wa Spares's third child, citing AI manipulation of images.
- Kiengei's response draws mixed reactions from Kenyans on social media.
- The controversy highlights the challenges faced by public figures in managing their personal lives and online presence.
