James Ng’ang’a, the esteemed founder of Neno Evangelism, finds himself embroiled in a contentious legal conflict over the ownership of the property housing his church in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The dispute took a heated turn as an unidentified politician allegedly lays claim to the prime property, adding a layer of complexity to the legal wrangling.
The origins of Pastor Ng’ang’a’s struggles can be traced back to Kenya Railways asserting ownership of the land along Haile Selassie Avenue, contending it is part of a railway reserve. Responding swiftly, in June 2023, the pastor filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the government agency from evicting him. The court, acknowledging the urgency of the matter (Case No. ELCLc/E151/2021), has set a hearing date for November 7, 2023.
Ng’ang’a staunchly maintains that he acquired the land in 2004 from the Central Bank of Kenya for Sh42 million, facilitated through the Kenya Finance Investment Company, previously known as Kenya Finance Corporation. He has pledged to vigorously defend his ownership rights in the courtroom.
In a recent viral video addressing his congregation, Pastor Ng’ang’a disclosed the political interference in the matter. He boldly confronted the unnamed politician, asserting, “I will not mention your name, but understand one thing. I’m not your age mate. I was not in university with you. I repeat, I’m not your agemate. I was circumcised in 1972. If you take this field, know that God did not call me to service. You will burn in a plane crash,” drawing applause from his followers.
Expressing apprehension about the politician’s motives for the land adjacent to his church, Ng’ang’a questioned, “I left Mombasa, and God led me to Nairobi. I set up the church in Fig Tree, Ngara, and later I came to this slot here in Town. Why is the piece of land next to mine not being touched? You want to take over my land and do with it what you did to Uhuru Park? Watch out. I can come with a gun,” he warned.
This ongoing legal battle, coupled with the pastor’s resolute warning, has captivated public interest, prompting discussions on the complex intersections of property rights, political influence, and the role of religious institutions within urban landscapes.
