MP Kaluma wants Pastor Ng’ang’a’s church shut after assault video emerges
The incident has reignited debates about regulating religious institutions and protecting congregants from abuse.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has called for the immediate deregistration of Neno Evangelism Centre following disturbing footage showing its controversial leader, Pastor James Ng'ang'a, physically assaulting a sleeping congregant during a service.
The video, which has gone viral, shows Ng'ang'a - a preacher with a history of inflammatory statements and unorthodox behaviour - interrupting his sermon to slap a sleeping worshiper twice while shouting: "Hii Kenya iko na mambo mingi sana, amka!" ("Kenya has too many problems - wake up!"). He then struck the man's back and ordered him to leave.
The preacher then confronts a woman seated beside the assaulted man, scolding her: “Na wewe kwa nini analala hapa na unamwona? (And you, why is he sleeping while you’re just watching?)."
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with MP Kaluma urging victims of past assaults at the church to come forward. "The Registrar of Societies must immediately deregister this so-called church before the worse happens. Anyone assaulted should report to police or contact me directly."
Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria joined critics, stating: "Even when addressing noise complaints involving altercations, we don't resort to violence. Churches should be sanctuaries, not places of assault."
He added that Ng’ang’a should find the assaulted congregant and apologise.
Public outrage has flooded social media, with users condemning the attack and questioning why congregants continue attending despite Ng'ang'a's history of abusive behaviour.
Christina Massawe quoted scripture - "My people perish for lack of knowledge" - while George Wambugu referenced the Nancy Baraza case as a legal precedent for accountability.
MissKwegah1 posed a rhetorical question noting, "How can you describe the people who continually attend Pastor Ng’ang’a’s church? He insults them, embarrasses them and intimidates them, yet they still go back? Do they get spiritual nourishment?"
Sophie Maunde, on the other hand, said, "It’s heartbreaking. A church should be a place of refuge—not where you get slapped."
This latest scandal adds to Ng'ang'a's growing list of controversies. Days earlier, he discouraged investments in transport and hospitality sectors based on his failed matatu business ventures.
"I have three matatus, and they are a nightmare. I even sold one for a throwaway price—and it was brand new. I don’t know what kind of demon this is," Ng’ang’a said.
In January, another viral video showed him making shocking remarks trivialising rape while criticising women's appearance - comments met with stunned silence from his congregation, including his wife.
The preacher has previously faced criticism for misogynistic statements, including claiming sexual relationships with congregants' mothers. Despite repeated controversies, he maintains a large following, raising serious questions about religious accountability in the country.
Notably, the Communications Authority has remained silent regarding Ng'ang'a's actions, despite his inflammatory content being broadcast to thousands. The incident has reignited debates about regulating religious institutions and protecting congregants from abuse.
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