Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Church has sparked national outrage following a viral video that shows him slapping a congregant who was asleep during a church service. The incident, which has stirred sharp criticism online, occurred as Ng’ang’a was moving around the church speaking to his members. Upon noticing a man sleeping in the front row, he walked over and slapped him, ordering him to move to the back of the church. The room fell silent as the man walked away.
Unapologetic, the pastor has responded to critics with defiance, comparing his actions to those of Jesus. Addressing his congregation shortly after the video circulated, Ng’ang’a stated that Jesus Himself chased people out of the temple, and he too would not hesitate to do the same. He dismissed accusations of violence, emphasizing that his strictness in church discipline should not be mistaken for malice.
“If you come here to misbehave, I’ll deal with you. This is not a marketplace. If you’re not ready for discipline, then leave,” he declared during a subsequent sermon. His remarks have sparked further debate on social media, with users split between those condemning his behavior and others defending his leadership style.
Some viewers expressed disbelief that people still attend his church, while others joked about the slap, likening it to strict school environments from decades past. A few sympathized with the sleeping congregant, suggesting that for some, church may be the only peaceful place they can rest.
Despite the backlash, Ng’ang’a remains defiant. He has reiterated that anyone who disrupts the service or behaves inappropriately will be removed. His remarks and actions have raised questions about acceptable behavior from religious leaders and the limits of church discipline.
In another controversial moment, Ng’ang’a rebuked his congregation for giving what he termed as “small offerings and tithes.” Expressing dissatisfaction, he questioned their commitment to the church, arguing that despite his weekly preaching, they were doing very little to support his ministry financially. He went as far as setting giving targets, urging members to meet them weekly.
His comments led to further criticism, with some accusing him of exploiting his followers for financial gain. Others questioned the sincerity of his ministry, suggesting it had become more focused on money than spiritual growth.
Adding to the controversy, a woman recently attended one of his services seeking guidance about her husband, who had left her without explanation. Instead of offering spiritual counsel, the pastor harshly commented on her hairstyle, claiming she looked like a man. He suggested that her appearance might have contributed to her marital issues, advising her to consider a more feminine look if she hoped to reconcile with her husband.
This encounter added to the growing list of instances where the preacher’s blunt approach has raised eyebrows. While some admire his boldness, many see his actions as a misuse of spiritual authority. Regardless of the criticism, Ng’ang’a shows no signs of backing down, insisting that he will continue to run his church in his own way, even if it means offending some people along the way.
