A fresh controversy is unfolding around Apostle James Ng’ang’a, the founder of Neno Evangelism Centre, after a viral video showed him slapping a churchgoer mid-service. The victim, identified as Willy Mwangi from Dandora, has now come forward demanding legal redress and compensation while alleging his life is in danger.
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From Viral Moment to Ongoing Nightmare
Initially, Mwangi downplayed the incident and even called it a “blessing,” but he has since dramatically changed his position. In a recent interview, the hawker revealed that the slap has severely impacted both his emotional well-being and his street vending business.
“Being slapped in church without being asked why I was dozing isn’t right. It has ruined how people view me,” said Mwangi. He added that he was pressured to say the slap was a blessing and held for nearly a week at the church premises after the incident went viral.
Livelihood Disrupted, Safety in Jeopardy
Once a street vendor selling coffee and watermelon, Mwangi now struggles to earn a living. He claims customers mock him and spread 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 money—just a pair of shoes and a suit,” he stated, adding that customers either harass him or avoid buying from him altogether.
Watch the Viral Video
Demands for Compensation and Legal Action
Mwangi now wants Pastor Ng’ang’a to compensate him for:
- Physical assault and bodily harm
- Unauthorized use of his image in viral content
- Loss of income and livelihood disruption
- Emotional and psychological damage
He has also called for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue criminal charges against the preacher.
Read also:Geoffrey Mosiria Confronts Pastor Ng’ang’a Over Ksh10M Debt
Public Outcry and Broader Implications
The incident has sparked renewed debates about pastoral authority, exploitation of viral content, and church accountability in Kenya. Legal experts suggest Mwangi may have grounds for both civil and criminal claims, including for defamation and breach of image rights.
This is not the first controversy surrounding Pastor Ng’ang’a, who previously made headlines for his dismissive remarks toward a woman seeking help—leading Kenyans to raise over KSh 500,000 for her independently.
As this case unfolds, questions linger about the blurred line between spiritual leadership and personal accountability.
