Controversial city pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a has once again stirred public debate after rebuking members of his church, Neno Evangelism Centre, for failing to give offerings and tithes.
During a fiery sermon, Pastor Ng’ang’a told congregants they were not contributing to the church’s rent and ordered them to give or leave.
“Na mtoe sadaka, kama hamtaki kutoa mtoke hapa. Hamjalipa nyumba hii, toeni sadaka!” he declared in a video that has since gone viral.
Ng’ang’a, known for his dramatic delivery, then turned to an usher and instructed him not to allow anyone into the church unless they had given their offering.
“Alafu usikuwe unafungulia watu mlango na hawatoi sadaka. Mtakuwa mkitolea kwa mlango pale,” he said, suggesting that offerings should now be collected at the door.
The outspoken pastor went on to compare church offerings to matatu fare, arguing that if people can pay for public transport, they should be able to give in church.
“Mbona mnalipa kwa matatu na hapa hamtaki kulipa? Io masaa yote mmekalia kiti, mtakuwa mnalipa na masaa,” he added, suggesting that churchgoers be charged based on how long they sit in the service.
Ng’ang’a concluded the sermon with a prayer, but not before reigniting conversations around church accountability and financial expectations.
The outburst comes amid tensions between his church and the Nairobi County government over alleged land rate arrears. County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria and other officials recently visited the church, claiming it owed over Sh10 million.
However, Pastor Ng’ang’a fired back in another viral video, insisting that the debt had been waived during former governor Mike Sonko’s administration. He criticized the current county officials for not revoking the waiver formally before demanding payment.
His claims were later confirmed by Mosiria, who posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Neno Evangelism Centre is now officially debt-free.
“Our role is not to stop the gospel but to follow up on outstanding county dues,” Mosiria wrote.
He added that the church’s land rate had been waived and that the hotel operated by the church had cleared its Unified Business Permit, allowing the institution to continue operating without disruption.
“We’re glad to report that the land rate has been waived, and the hotel has fulfilled its business permit requirements,” he confirmed.