Bishop Kiengei, a prominent figure in Kenya’s religious community, has been compelled to issue a public apology following his derogatory remarks about social media personality Pritty Vishy. The controversy erupted after Kiengei referred to Vishy as “ugly” during a live show, prompting widespread backlash and a subsequent apology from the bishop.
The Incident and Apology
The incident occurred when Bishop Kiengei made comments about Pritty Vishy on a live broadcast, labeling her as unattractive. The remarks quickly sparked outrage among Vishy’s followers and the general public. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Kiengei took to social media to issue a formal apology. In his message, he expressed remorse for his inappropriate comments and promised to refrain from making similar mistakes in the future.
“Prity Vishy I am really sorry and I take this moment to highly apologize for mentioning your name in a show where I went overboard and mentioned you in the wrong way. Get a space in your heart to forgive me for addressing you in the wrong way. This will never happen in the future, I take it as my mistake, Pole my sister na karibu sana JCM CHURCH, KANISA LA WATU WOTE…..” Kiengei stated in his video.
Vishy’s Response
Pritty Vishy did not take Kiengei’s apology lightly. In a pointed response on social media, she accused the bishop of hypocrisy and questioned his moral integrity. Vishy criticized Kiengei for hiding behind his religious title while publicly humiliating her, and she challenged him to address her in person at his church.
“Pastor @bishopbenjcmchurch you are a hypocrite, you hide in church and pretend to be a man of God, I thought you read the Bible? Do you know the verse that says that we are all created in the likeness and image of God? Do you have a wife? Daughter? Mother? Do you know the meaning of respect?” Vishy posted. She further questioned Kiengei’s respect for his family and the values he teaches his congregation.
Vishy also expressed her hurt over the public embarrassment caused by Kiengei’s remarks, questioning how the bishop felt after humiliating her. “How do you feel now that you have embarrassed me publicly? Do you know I have a mother? Do you know how she feels about this?” she added. Vishy challenged Kiengei to repeat his comments in front of his church congregation, emphasizing the lasting impact of his words on her self-esteem.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The public reaction to the incident has been polarized. Supporters of Pritty Vishy have rallied behind her, condemning Kiengei’s comments as disrespectful and unbecoming of a religious leader. Many have echoed Vishy’s sentiments, calling for greater accountability and sensitivity from public figures.
Conversely, some have defended Kiengei, suggesting that his apology should be sufficient and that the matter should be put to rest. They argue that everyone makes mistakes and that Kiengei’s willingness to apologize demonstrates a degree of humility and remorse.
Implications for Kiengei’s Ministry
The fallout from this incident could have significant implications for Bishop Kiengei’s ministry. As a religious leader, Kiengei is expected to embody the values of respect and compassion that he preaches. This controversy highlights a disconnect between his public persona and the behavior that is expected from someone in his position.
The situation also underscores the growing scrutiny that public figures face in the age of social media. With their every word and action subject to instant and widespread dissemination, individuals like Kiengei must navigate their public roles with heightened sensitivity.
Conclusion
The Bishop Kiengei-Pritty Vishy controversy serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that words can have and the importance of maintaining integrity and respect in public discourse. As Kiengei attempts to mend the rift caused by his remarks, the incident raises broader questions about accountability and the role of public figures in shaping societal norms.
