In a fiery show of defiance that has stunned Kenya’s Christian community, controversial televangelist Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a of Jesus is Alive Ministries.
Ng’ang’a has brushed off fresh rape allegations against him, declaring, “Take me where you want to! The incident happened in 1980.”
The outspoken preacher, renowned for his dramatic sermons, flashy suits, and unapologetic persona, insisted that the account was merely a “testimony” from his troubled past, not an admission of wrongdoing.
The controversy erupted after a viral video captured Ng’ang’a, 72, recounting an alleged sexual assault during a recent church service in Nairobi.
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He described the event vividly, claiming it occurred before his conversion to Christianity and was a reflection of his “sinful life” before salvation.
However, his casual tone and boasting manner triggered widespread outrage online, with many accusing him of trivializing sexual violence and retraumatizing survivors.
Critics argue that Ng’ang’a’s remarks reflect a troubling culture of impunity within religious spaces.
Feminist groups and legal activists, including members of FIDA-Kenya, condemned his comments as a mockery of justice in a country where 35% of women report experiencing sexual violence, yet conviction rates remain under 10%.
This is far from Ng’ang’a’s first controversy.
The self-proclaimed prophet, who often calls himself a reformed ex-convict, has previously faced fraud accusations, adultery scandals, and public backlash for exploiting faith for profit.
His Neno Evangelism Centre has amassed a vast following, attracting both fierce devotion and criticism for its prosperity gospel tactics.
In the viral clip—now widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter)—Ng’ang’a can be heard challenging critics: “Arrest me if you dare.” He then urged his congregants to contribute more tithes to “fight spiritual battles.”
While his loyal followers defend him as “real” and “unfiltered,” others see his behavior as a dangerous mix of charisma and arrogance.
As public pressure mounts for investigations, Ng’ang’a’s defiance highlights the growing tension between forgiveness and accountability in Kenya’s megachurch culture.
Whether justice or impunity prevails, one thing is clear: Pastor Ng’ang’a’s pulpit is once again commanding headlines and controversy.
By Creatorhub