Pastor James Ng’ang’a in Trouble for Slapping Congregant as Mp sweeps in
Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Church has once again found himself at the center of public controversy after a video emerged online appearing to show him physically assaulting a member of his congregation during a church service.
The one-minute video, which has been widely disseminated across various social media platforms, captures the preacher walking toward a male congregant—allegedly for dozing off during the sermon—before slapping him in full view of the congregation. Pastor Ng’ang’a is also heard issuing verbal insults and subsequently expelling the man from the service.
The video has elicited widespread condemnation from the public and political leaders alike, with many expressing concern over what they describe as a pattern of abuse by the preacher. Among those who have spoken out is Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament, Hon. George Peter Kaluma.
In a statement published on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday evening, Hon. Kaluma strongly condemned the incident, urging law enforcement authorities to take immediate legal action against Pastor Ng’ang’a. He also called for the deregistration of Neno Evangelism Church, arguing that such institutions should not be permitted to operate under the guise of religious freedom while engaging in abusive practices.
“This is unacceptable. Kenya must prosecute and stop characters like Ng’ang’a, and deregister so-called ‘churches’ such as Neno Evangelism, whose leaders publicly abuse worshippers,” Kaluma wrote. “If we fail to act, we risk witnessing another tragedy akin to the Shakahola massacre.”
The lawmaker referenced the 2023 Shakahola incident in Kilifi County, where hundreds of people perished in what was later revealed to be a cult disguised as a religious movement.
In the same video, Pastor Ng’ang’a is also seen reprimanding a female congregant seated next to the man he assaulted, questioning why she allowed him to fall asleep. The woman attempted to explain that she had not noticed, as she was focused on the sermon. Pastor Ng’ang’a initially threatened to remove her from the service as well but later allowed her to remain.
This incident is the latest in a series of controversies involving the televangelist. In February 2025, he was widely criticized after a video surfaced showing him publicly rebuking a woman who had sought financial assistance to pay her rent. The woman, identified as Milka Moraa, claimed her landlord had locked her out of her residence. Instead of offering support, Pastor Ng’ang’a allegedly berated her and advised her to seek more affordable housing if she could not meet her current obligations.
Public discourse surrounding the latest incident continues to intensify, with growing calls for regulatory reforms targeting religious institutions and the conduct of their leaders.
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Pastor James Ng’ang’a in Trouble for Slapping Congregant as Mp sweeps in
