Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a, a prominent figure in Kenya’s evangelical circles, has stirred controversy once again with his recent remarks targeting women who sport Rastafarian hairstyles. In a TikTok post that has since gone viral, Ng’ang’a expressed his dissatisfaction with churchgoers who, in his view, fail to adhere to the standards of outward holiness. The outspoken pastor, known for his bold and often controversial statements, went as far as to say that women with Rasta hairstyles should either shave their heads or refrain from attending his church, warning that anyone showing up with such a hairstyle would be expected to comply.
Ng’ang’a’s comments, delivered in his signature blunt style, have sparked widespread debate. “If you have Rasta, shave it before coming near me. Otherwise, you won’t be allowed in. One Sunday, we will shave you ourselves,” he declared. The pastor’s frustration was palpable as he described the Rasta hairstyle as a symbol of rebellion and a poor example to the younger generation. His harsh words extended beyond the issue of hair, condemning what he saw as an erosion of moral integrity within the church community. He accused women of harming the image of the church, associating their appearance with behavior that, in his view, was incongruent with the spiritual values the church should uphold.
While his comments about hair might seem superficial to some, Ng’ang’a’s real concern seems to lie deeper in what he perceives as hypocrisy within his congregation. He railed against individuals who, despite professing faith, continue to live according to worldly values. In his rant, Ng’ang’a criticized those who, while attending church and singing praises, engage in activities like gossip, theft, and dishonesty. According to him, true faith should reflect in one’s actions, not just in words or external appearances. “You might do worldly things while praising the Lord with your mouth. But if you are a killer, a liar, a gossip, a thief, without God’s wisdom, your focus remains on worldly matters, devoid of love or fellowship with the Holy Spirit,” he asserted.
The controversy surrounding Ng’ang’a’s comments raises a fundamental question: Are his remarks a legitimate call for a return to holiness and integrity, or are they rooted in a more superficial understanding of faith? Many may argue that the pastor’s approach is too rigid, focusing too much on external appearance rather than the internal transformation that Christianity is supposed to nurture. For others, however, his stance might resonate as a call to hold churchgoers accountable for their actions, not just their outward presentation. In his view, how a person dresses, speaks, and behaves should align with the faith they profess.
The pastor also took the opportunity to criticize the commercialized nature of modern-day preaching. He urged fellow preachers to prioritize the message of God’s kingdom rather than focusing on wealth and materialism, which he described as fleeting and inconsequential. “Money is fleeting; you’ll eventually leave it behind,” he warned, reminding believers that true salvation is not about material gain, but about spiritual growth and commitment to God’s teachings.
Apostle Ng’ang’a’s remarks have ignited passionate responses, with some applauding him for standing firm in his beliefs, while others accuse him of judgmental and exclusionary attitudes. In an era where church leadership and doctrine are constantly evolving, his approach raises concerns about how the church should navigate issues of appearance, behavior, and spiritual authenticity.
Ultimately, Ng’ang’a’s comments remind us that the debate over faith and conduct is far from settled. While his call for consistency between appearance and action is clear, it also underscores the broader struggle many churches face in balancing tradition with the realities of a rapidly changing world. In the eyes of some, Pastor Ng’ang’a’s words may serve as a much-needed wake-up call to avoid hypocrisy, while others may see them as an overly rigid interpretation of what it means to follow Christ. The debate continues, and it remains to be seen how these contentious remarks will shape the future of Ng’ang’a’s ministry and the broader Kenyan church.
