From Prison to Pulpit: A Controversial Rise

Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a, the founder of Neno Evangelism Centre, stands as one of Kenya’s most polarizing figures. His journey from a self-confessed criminal who spent nearly two decades in and out of prison to a wealthy and influential televangelist encapsulates a narrative of redemption that draws thousands of followers. Born in 1952, Ng'ang'a's early life was marked by poverty and crime, which he states led to multiple incarcerations starting in 1972. He claims his spiritual transformation occurred in Shimo la Tewa prison, leading to his release in 1992 and the founding of Neno Evangelism Centre in Mombasa. The ministry later relocated its headquarters to a prime location on Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi in 2005, growing into a nationwide network of churches.

Family Life and Public Persona

In 2012, Pastor Ng’ang’a married Loise Murugi Maina in a lavish ceremony, following the death of his first wife. Murugi, an active apostle in the church, is often seen as a calming counterforce to Ng'ang'a's fiery and unpredictable personality. Their public interactions, frequently captured in viral clips, showcase a dynamic of playful banter that has fascinated many Kenyans. The couple has two sons together. Beyond his marriage to Murugi, Ng'ang'a has publicly claimed to have fathered over 70 children from previous relationships across Kenya, a statement that has been met with both intrigue and skepticism.

Major Legal Battles and Public Controversies

Pastor Ng'ang'a's ministry has been perpetually dogged by serious legal and public controversies that have cemented his contentious reputation.

2015 Fatal Road Accident

In July 2015, Ng'ang'a was implicated in a fatal road accident on the Nairobi-Naivasha highway at Manguo, which resulted in the death of Mercy Njeri. It was alleged that a Range Rover, reportedly driven by the pastor, collided with another vehicle. Ng'ang'a was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving, giving false information, and conspiring to defeat justice. Three others, including two police officers, were charged in connection with an alleged cover-up. In May 2018, Limuru Chief Magistrate Godfrey Oduor acquitted Ng'ang'a and his co-accused, citing insufficient evidence from the prosecution to place the pastor at the scene. The acquittal sparked public outrage and was swiftly appealed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In July 2018, the High Court in Kiambu set aside the acquittal and ordered a fresh trial before a different magistrate. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED on the final outcome of the retrial.

2019 Fraud Allegations

In 2019, the pastor was arrested and charged with defrauding a businessman, Wickson Njoroge Mwathe, of KSh 3.6 million in a real estate deal that allegedly occurred in April 2016. The prosecution claimed Ng'ang'a had taken the money under the pretext of leasing a residential house in Karen, Nairobi, but failed to deliver the property or refund the payment. After initial attempts to settle the matter out of court were rejected by the magistrate, the case was ultimately withdrawn in October 2021. The complainant, Mr. Mwathe, informed the court that he had forgiven the pastor, citing that his mother was a congregant of Ng'ang'a's church, and the matter was subsequently closed.

Physical Altercations with Congregants

Pastor Ng’ang’a has also faced significant criticism over viral videos showing him physically striking members of his congregation. In one widely circulated clip from April 2025, he is seen slapping a male congregant, allegedly for dozing off during a sermon. The incident drew condemnation from the public and politicians, with some calling for his prosecution and the deregistration of his church. Other videos have shown him slapping congregants who approached the pulpit for prayers, behavior that has fueled a national debate on pastoral conduct, accountability, and the abuse of religious authority.

A Legacy of Contradiction

Pastor James Ng'ang'a's career is a complex tapestry of spiritual leadership, immense wealth, and unceasing controversy. His narrative of redemption from a life of crime resonates deeply with his followers, who see him as a powerful man of God. Simultaneously, his numerous legal battles, inflammatory sermons, and unorthodox practices raise critical questions for Kenyan society about financial accountability within religious institutions, the boundaries of pastoral authority, and the role of faith in public life. His enduring presence in national headlines ensures that these debates remain at the forefront of public consciousness.