The man at the center of a viral church incident involving the controversial Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a has finally spoken out — and his response is as surprising as the slap that sparked national debate.
The dramatic moment unfolded during a packed Sunday service at Neno Evangelism Centre in Nairobi. Apostle Ng’ang’a interrupted his sermon to publicly reintroduce the man he had slapped earlier for allegedly dozing off in church — a moment that has since dominated conversations online and offline.
Clad in a red shirt and grey suit, the man confirmed he was the individual in the viral video. In a twist few expected, he downplayed the incident, describing the slap as nothing short of a spiritual breakthrough.
“Haina shida. Iko sawa. Mradi nipone na injili iendelee,” he said, loosely translated as, “No problem. It’s okay as long as I get healed and the gospel continues.”
The man’s remarks stirred mixed reactions from the congregation. While some murmured in disbelief, others nodded in agreement. He went on to share that the slap delivered him from persistent spiritual torment, including unsettling dreams — a testimony that added even more fuel to the ongoing debate.
Apostle Ng’ang’a, famous for his fiery sermons and polarizing methods, stood firm in his defense. Comparing the incident to biblical examples of tough love, he remarked:
“Ukipenda mtoto unamchapa. Even my master, my Lord… akawachapa,” referencing Jesus driving out merchants from the temple. According to him, discipline is a form of love.
The viral footage of the incident has split public opinion across Kenya. Critics have condemned it as a blatant abuse of pastoral authority, calling for an apology or even legal action against the preacher. On the other hand, many within his loyal congregation view the slap as an intense but genuine act of spiritual deliverance.
As conversations around the incident continue, the slap has reopened deeper discussions on the role of faith, healing, and the limits of religious leadership.
Whether interpreted as a divine intervention or a clear overstep, one thing is certain — this was no ordinary church service, and the nation is still talking.
