A new controversy is unfolding around Apostle James Ng’ang’a, the founder of Neno Evangelism Centre, after a viral video surfaced showing him slapping a churchgoer during a service. The victim, identified as Willy Mwangi from Dandora, has since come forward seeking legal redress and compensation, alleging that his life is now in danger.
From Viral Sensation to Personal Nightmare
Initially, Mwangi downplayed the incident, even referring to the slap as a “blessing.” However, he has dramatically changed his stance. In a recent interview, the hawker revealed that the slap has deeply affected his emotional well-being and disrupted his street vending business.
“Being slapped in church without being asked why I was dozing isn’t right. It has ruined how people perceive me,” Mwangi said. He also claimed he was pressured to call the incident a blessing and was allegedly held at the church premises for nearly a week after the video went viral.
Livelihood Disrupted, Life Threatened
Mwangi, who once made a living selling coffee and watermelon, now struggles to earn an income. He claims customers mock him and circulate rumors that he was paid off by Pastor Ng’ang’a.
“I can’t work peacefully. People think I was bribed. I wasn’t given any money—just a pair of shoes and a suit,” he said, adding that many customers now harass him or avoid his stall entirely.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
Mwangi is now demanding that Pastor Ng’ang’a compensate him for:
- Physical assault and bodily harm
- Unauthorized use of his image in viral videos
- Loss of income and business disruption
- Emotional and psychological distress
He has also urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to pursue criminal charges against the preacher.
Related: Geoffrey Mosiria Confronts Pastor Ng’ang’a Over Ksh 10 Million Debt
Public Outcry and Wider Implications
The incident has sparked national debate on pastoral authority, the exploitation of viral content, and the need for accountability in religious institutions. Legal experts argue that Mwangi may have grounds for both civil and criminal proceedings, including defamation and violation of image rights.
This is not Pastor Ng’ang’a’s first brush with controversy. He previously faced backlash for dismissing a woman who sought his help—an incident that prompted Kenyans to raise over KSh 500,000 for her independently.
As the case continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the boundaries of spiritual leadership and the responsibility religious figures owe to their followers.
