The Atheists in Kenya Society has called for the arrest of televangelist James Maina Ng’ang’a famously known as Pastor Ng’ang’a.
In a statement, the Society accused Ng’ang’a of taking advantage of unsuspecting Kenyans luring them to contribute money in the church.
The atheists therefore urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take action against the Neno Evangelism Center leader.
According to the group, the prevailing economic situation in the country had made Kenyans vulnerable and susceptible to suggestions on how to make ends meet and hence the trend.
The atheists further called on Kenyans to shun the pastor’s church.
“We urge Kenyans to shun away from Pastor Ng’ang’a’s Church,” the atheists stated.
Pastor Ng’ang’a did not however respond to the accusations by press time.
However, the televangelist is not new to controversy and is known for the multiple video clips recently doing rounds on social media.
In one of the clips, Pastor Ng’ang’a was seen selling pieces of paper to congregants in the name of money.
In the widely circulated video, Ng’ang’a is seen tearing the papers into smaller pieces before putting them up for sale to his congregants.
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His actions while at the pulpit have had Kenyans talking on several occasions.
Kenyans React to Pastor Ng’ang’a Video
While some are shared as funny clips, some Kenyans have raised concerns over the safety of congregants.
“How is this not a cult. How this man still operates a comedy center in the name of a church is amazing,’ an X user commenting to the video stated.
“It’s the entertainment for me, since there is nothing, I can do to help with the situation, but free entertainment during these tough times is okay,” another stated.
But controversies surrounding churches and clerics are not new in Kenya.
In May, security agencies discovered over 100 bodies buried in a land in Kilifi County in what was believed to be consequences of a cult disguised as a church.
Also Read: Churches Locked Due to SDA, NCC Wrangles in Kisii
In what was later on dubbed Shakahola Massacre, security authorities linked the deaths to yet another controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
At the time, pressure piled on the government as some Kenyans called for closer regulation of churches and religious organizations to abate such incidents.
In May, President William Ruto formed a taskforce comprising stakeholders in the clergy to propose legal and governance policies needed to prevent religious extremism.