A Public Partnership Forged in Controversy

The union of Pastor James Ng’ang’a, the founder of Neno Evangelism Centre, and Loise Murugi Maina is one of Kenya's most publicly debated relationships. Their marriage, which commenced with a lavish ceremony at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club in 2012, has consistently captured national attention, defined by a mixture of viral moments of playful on-stage banter and significant public controversy. This dynamic has solidified their status as prominent, if polarizing, figures in Kenya's religious and social landscape.

Their public interactions, often broadcast from the pulpit of the Neno Evangelism Centre headquartered on Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi, frequently go viral on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. These clips showcase a unique dynamic where Murugi’s calm and witty responses counterbalance Ng'ang'a's fiery and often unpredictable preaching style. This public chemistry, described by followers as Murugi “giving Pastor Ng’ang’a a dose of his own medicine,” has become a hallmark of their shared ministry.

Navigating Public Scrutiny and Age Disparity

From the outset, their marriage was met with criticism, primarily centered on their significant age difference. Pastor Ng'ang'a, born in 1952, is considerably older than his wife. He has publicly stated he chose a younger partner to take care of him in his old age, a decision that he claims led to an exodus of around 700 female congregants from his church who had hoped to marry him. Despite the scrutiny, the couple has maintained that their bond is built on mutual understanding and faith, transcending generational gaps. Murugi, an active apostle and co-minister in the church, has carved out her own public persona, admired by many for her perceived strength and resilience in the face of constant public attention.

The relationship has not been without its admitted difficulties. The couple has been candid about past marital struggles, including a period of separation that reportedly involved police intervention after Murugi left their home over suspicious text messages. In a joint interview, Murugi advised couples to change their phone numbers after marriage to signify a fresh start and avoid past influences, a statement reflecting their journey of reconciliation.

A Ministry Built on a Controversial Past

Pastor Ng'ang'a's ministry is deeply intertwined with his personal history. He founded Neno Evangelism in Mombasa in 1992 after being released from prison. He has openly spoken about his criminal past and his spiritual transformation while incarcerated at Shimo la Tewa prison. This narrative of redemption from a life of crime to a prominent televangelist is a cornerstone of his preaching. The church later relocated its headquarters to Nairobi in 2005.

However, controversy has remained a constant companion. Ng'ang'a is known for his inflammatory remarks and dramatic exorcisms, which have drawn both followers and fierce critics. He has faced legal challenges, including accusations of land grabbing by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) concerning the church's prime location in Nairobi's CBD, which he claims he purchased for KSh 42 million from the Central Bank of Kenya in 2004. More recently, in January 2025, he sparked public outrage and condemnation from groups like the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) for remarks trivializing rape during a sermon. In October 2025, he again drew public attention after a video circulated in which he appeared to confess to a past sexual assault, prompting calls for a formal investigation.

Wealth, Influence, and the Kenyan Public

Beneath the public drama lies a significant financial enterprise. Pastor Ng'ang'a is considered one of Kenya's wealthiest pastors, with interests that reportedly include a car dealership and a hotel. His financial standing is a frequent topic of discussion, underscored by his public statements about the value of his church's land and his wife having full access to his bank and M-Pesa PINs as a sign of ultimate trust. The couple’s relationship, therefore, is not just a private union but a public spectacle that intersects with issues of faith, wealth, gender dynamics, and accountability, keeping them firmly in the Kenyan public's consciousness.