Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has condemned controversial preacher Apostle James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre, following the circulation of a viral video that shows the pastor slapping a congregant during a church service.
The undated video, which has sparked outrage online, captures the moment Ng’ang’a approaches a man seated in the front row of the church and slaps him twice, accusing him of sleeping during the sermon. He then orders the man to move to the back of the church.
“Amka, kwenda uko nyuma,” the pastor is heard saying, loosely translated to “Wake up, go to the back.”
Ng’ang’a then confronts the woman sitting next to the man, questioning why she did not wake him up. “Na wewe kwanini analala hapa na unamuona?” (Why was he sleeping while you were watching?), he asks.
The woman, defending herself, says she was focused on the preaching and did not notice. She adds, “Kila mtu abebe msalaba wake,” meaning everyone should carry their own cross. Ng’ang’a responds by letting her go but still instructs her to sit at the back.
Reacting to the video, MP Kaluma urged the public to help identify the man assaulted by the preacher, as well as any other victims who may have experienced similar treatment at the church.
“Whoever knows the guy he is assaulting in this video or any of the many worshippers he has ever assaulted should report to the nearest police station or see me immediately for urgent action,” Kaluma said in a statement shared online.
He also called on the Registrar of Societies to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against the preacher and his church.
Kaluma warned that failing to act on such conduct could set a dangerous precedent for abuse under the guise of religious authority. “Before worse happens, action must be taken,” he said.
This is not the first time Apostle Ng’ang’a has come under scrutiny for his unconventional and sometimes aggressive style of preaching. The current incident has reignited debate on the need for accountability and regulation of religious institutions in Kenya.
