Mamlaka Hill Chapel began in Nairobi in August 2005 with about 80 worshippers. Within three months, attendance grew to around 300, and by December that year, the congregation neared 500.
The church was established under the leadership of Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a, who had been invited from Nairobi Baptist Church to lead the new congregation after Nairobi Chapel decided to establish several churches across the city.
Over the years, Mamlaka Hill Chapel expanded its membership, outreach programmes and ministries, developing into a multi-campus church serving different communities.
However, the church now faces a leadership dispute after Ng’ang’a was dismissed as bishop on June 25, 2026. The former bishop has challenged his removal in court, seeking reinstatement and compensation exceeding KSh21 million.
The dispute has also raised questions about church governance, members’ rights, and the management of resources contributed by the congregation.
How Mamlaka Hill Chapel Began
The origins of Mamlaka Hill Chapel trace back to a decision by Nairobi Chapel elders to establish several congregations across Nairobi rather than relocate the existing church to a larger site.
According to Mamlaka Hill Chapel’s official history, the church grew rapidly, leaving it with limited space near the University of Nairobi’s main campus.
By 2004, the church had identified and purchased land along Ngong Road to relocate. However, the elders later decided that establishing several churches across the city would better serve their mission.
Mamlaka Hill Chapel was among the congregations established through the church-planting initiative. It was the only one to retain its original location near the university.
Ng’ang’a, then serving as the adults’ pastor at Nairobi Baptist Church, was invited to lead the new congregation as senior pastor.
He joined Nairobi Chapel in January 2005 and spent six months preparing for the launch.
The congregation initially met at Ufungamano House, where about 80 people attended Sunday services at noon.
In August 2005, it moved back to its original sanctuary. Attendance quickly rose to about 300 worshippers within three months and nearly 500 by December.
The church formally registered as an institution on September 10, 2014.
From 80 Worshippers to a Growing Congregation
The church’s early years were marked by rising attendance and the expansion of its ministries.
By 2007, Mamlaka Hill Chapel had developed a strong focus on missions, reaching communities in East Pokot, Kibera, Korogocho and Koinange Street in Nairobi. Its outreach also extended to Berlin, Germany, where it had established a youth initiative.
In 2008, the church expanded its mission activities by involving more members and adding Kerarapon and Kisamese to its veterinary and medical outreach programmes.
These initiatives took the church’s activities beyond regular Sunday services and introduced members to community outreach and service.
In January 2010, Mamlaka Hill Chapel appointed its first council of elders to oversee the congregation’s growth.
The appointment coincided with its fifth anniversary. By then, the church reported having more than 2,000 members and over 400 children attending Sunday school.
Its ministries also grew from five at its founding to 16 by 2010, serving children, young people, adults, men, women, single people, and college students.
The expansion marked a significant change from the small congregation that had gathered at Ufungamano House five years earlier.
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Mamlaka Hill Chapel’s Mission and Ministries
Mamlaka Hill Chapel describes its mission as promoting personal intimacy with Christ to build godly communities that can impact nations for Christ.
Its vision is to empower transformation in lives, society and the world.
The church’s programmes include children’s ministry, youth activities, marriage and family ministries, men’s and women’s programmes, discipleship, prayer and local missions.
Its official website also provides access to sermons and information about church activities.
The growth of these programs reflects the church’s effort to serve different age groups and give members opportunities to participate in fellowship, learning, and community service.
Mamlaka Hill Chapel has also expanded beyond its original congregation. The church has four branches in Nairobi’s city centre, Ruaka, Diani and Kisumu.
The development of these locations has widened the church’s reach beyond the congregation that began in 2005.
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Why Bishop Ng’ang’a was Dismissed and Court Battle
Mamlaka Hill Chapel suspended Bishop Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a from his ministerial duties on March 27, 2026, and later issued him a notice to show cause on June 11 over allegations of gross misconduct.
Ng’ang’a disputes the disciplinary process, arguing that he was not given sufficient details of the complaints or supporting evidence to prepare his defence.
He says he had to submit his response by June 22 and attend a hearing the following day, but his request for more time to prepare and arrange witnesses was denied.
The former bishop further argues that the complainants and witnesses were not heard and that no evidence was presented or examined in his presence. The church dismissed him on June 25, 2026, and rejected his internal appeal on July 17.
Ng’ang’a has since moved to the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, seeking to overturn the decision and be reinstated as bishop without losing his salary, benefits, status or seniority.
He is also claiming KSh14.83 million, equivalent to 12 months’ salary, and approximately KSh6.21 million for unused annual leave.
His petition also seeks damages for alleged constitutional violations, interest, and legal costs. Court documents put his gross monthly salary at KSh1,236,147.
The four church officials named in the case have disputed his account, maintaining that the Elders’ Court was properly constituted and ratified by the congregation. They also argue that Ng’ang’a received sufficient notice and an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
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