Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi’s Chief Environment Officer, has condemned controversial preacher Pastor James Ng’ang’a, founder of Neno Evangelism, after a video surfaced showing the pastor slapping a congregant during a church service. The video, which quickly went viral, sparked outrage and raised questions about the pastor’s conduct within a house of worship.
In the video, Pastor Ng’ang’a is seen noticing a man seated in the front row who appeared to be dozing off during the service. In a shocking moment, the pastor approaches the man and delivers two sharp slaps to his face, before instructing him to vacate the front row and move to the back of the church. The incident has prompted widespread reactions online, with many questioning whether such behavior is appropriate for a spiritual leader in a place of worship.
Geoffrey Mosiria joined those calling for accountability, sharing a video response in which he strongly criticized Pastor Ng’ang’a’s actions. In his remarks, Mosiria emphasized that churches should be peaceful sanctuaries, not places where congregants face humiliation or physical violence. He pointed out that, even in his role as a government official, he and his team approach noise pollution issues in churches respectfully, without resorting to violence.
Mosiria further explained the role of the church, highlighting that it is a place where people come to pray, meditate, and seek comfort. He pointed out that it’s not uncommon for individuals to close their eyes during services, which should not automatically be assumed to mean they are sleeping. “Church is where you find peace of mind, relax, meditate, and pray quietly with your eyes closed. Maybe he was just meditating and not sleeping,” Mosiria suggested, defending the congregant’s actions.
Beyond criticizing the pastor, Mosiria also called on him to make amends for the assault. He urged Pastor Ng’ang’a to seek out the man he had slapped and offer a heartfelt apology for his behavior. Mosiria also reminded the preacher of biblical teachings, emphasizing that even Jesus did not resort to violence when people misbehaved in the temple. “Look for that guy, Pastor Ng’ang’a, and tell him not to doze in church and pray for him. Even Jesus didn’t beat someone for sleeping in church. He only chased away thieves who were trading in church. You didn’t act accordingly. It was a hot slap and you added another one,” Mosiria stated.
In his interview, Mosiria expressed disappointment in the pastor’s actions, calling it disrespectful. He further stressed the importance of compassion and love in spiritual leadership, advocating for correction to be done with grace rather than violence. The incident has reignited debates about the abuse of power in religious spaces, raising concerns about how some pastors handle discipline within their congregations.
Many Kenyans have echoed Mosiria’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for decorum and compassion in church leadership. There is growing concern over how some pastors handle conflicts and discipline, with many calling for a shift toward more respectful, loving forms of correction. The incident serves as a reminder that spiritual guidance should always be exercised with respect and empathy, promoting a positive, peaceful environment for all who come to worship.
