Neno Evangelism Centre founder, Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a, has weighed in on President William Ruto’s controversial directive for police to shoot protesters in the leg, offering his take in a humorous and satirical tone during a recent church service.
Opening his sermon with a popular street catchphrase, Ng’ang’a asked the congregation, “Ground inasemaje?”
The crowd enthusiastically responded, “Wantam!”, a slang term currently trending among political circles.
Unbothered by the political tension surrounding the topic, Pastor Ng’ang’a made it clear that he didn’t want to be associated with government drama, drawing laughter from the congregation.
“Msifanye waniletee kisirani na mimi niwalaani,” he warned jokingly.
Nicknamed ‘The Kommanda’, Ng’ang’a humorously cautioned Kenyans to avoid being shot during anti-government protests, while also referencing the church being built within the State House compound.
“Lakini saa ingine hata nyinyi mko na mchezo. Hamskii mnavunjwa miguu? Na tunawajengea kanisa. Wantam? Yaani hamskii kitu ingine?” he said, sparking another wave of laughter.
His comments come in the wake of President Ruto’s highly debated “shoot-to-injure” order issued on Wednesday, July 9, directing police to shoot looters and vandals in the leg instead of using lethal force. The directive has sparked fierce debate across the country.
The order followed a string of protest-related casualties, including the death of Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was shot in the head during the June 25 memorial protests.
Despite efforts by doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. In a separate incident, 31-year-old teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’ died while in police custody after being arrested in Homa Bay over an X post allegedly targeting Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
While some government officials have backed the directive as a way to deter property destruction and maintain order, critics argue it is excessive and dangerous, especially as demonstrations over the high cost of living and governance issues continue to result in injuries and deaths.
Pastor Ng’ang’a’s remarks quickly went viral, with many Kenyans on social media reacting with amusement.
Some even suggested he should be given a national platform to address the youth.
One Instagram user wrote, “Pia commanda amekubali ni wantam. Very nice.”
Another added with laughing emojis, “Bonga na Commander aweke crusade ya Gen Z atufunze hii maneno ya serikali.”