MP Kaluma Calls for Arrest of Pastor Ng'ang'a After Slapping Incident in Church

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma is calling for immediate legal action against Apostle James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre, following a disturbing incident that has caused widespread outrage online.

A video that has since gone viral shows the controversial preacher slapping a male congregant during a live church service.

In the footage, Pastor Ng’ang’a walks up to a man seated in the front row and scolds him for allegedly falling asleep during his sermon.

Without hesitation, the preacher slaps the man twice across the face, then orders him to move to the back of the church. "Wake up! Go sit at the back," Ng’ang’a is heard barking.

His attention then shifts to a woman sitting next to the man. Visibly agitated, the preacher demands to know why she didn’t wake the man up.

The woman, appearing startled, replies that she was engrossed in the sermon and hadn’t noticed her neighbour dozing off.

Yet, Ng’ang’a instructs her to relocate to the back as well. When she tries to defend herself by saying, “Everyone should carry their own cross,” Ng’ang’a momentarily softens, replying, “Alright, you’re forgiven,” before resuming his preaching.

MP Kaluma, incensed by the act, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the pastor’s behaviour. He urged any individuals who have ever been assaulted by Ng’ang’a—or have witnessed such abuse—to report the incidents to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged them to contact him directly for swift legal follow-up. Additionally, Kaluma appealed to the Office of the Registrar of Societies to step in and prevent further harm, describing Ng’ang’a’s conduct as a violation of both human dignity and spiritual responsibility.

The incident has sparked heated conversation online, with Kenyans expressing disbelief, anger, and even mockery.

Some took a light-hearted approach, with one user joking, “Slapping a fellow man in front of the congregation and the church laughs?” while another quipped, “Is this a church or a classroom with a deputy headteacher?”

Yet others were deeply offended by the display, highlighting the humiliation inflicted on the man. “That’s someone’s father. What if his children were in the room watching him being slapped like a child?” asked one concerned user.

Another added, “This is not just dramatic, it’s dehumanising. The man made an effort to attend church—he could have been anywhere else. Maybe he’s tired from work or going through something.”

While Pastor Ng’ang’a has long been known for his unorthodox and theatrical preaching style, many now feel he has crossed a dangerous line.