Apostle Ng’ang’a’s Slap: Willy Mwangi Retracts Forgiveness, Demands Justice

The man who was slapped by Apostle James Ng’ang’a during a church service has come forward with a new account, alleging coercion, threats, and financial loss.

Willy Mwangi, who had initially appeared to forgive the controversial preacher and even called the slap a “blessing,” now claims he was pressured into making those remarks. “I was not happy with it. Somebody to slap me in church for dozing off without asking me why I dozed off isn't fair,” he said.

“I can’t sell coffee or melon in peace because people are laughing at me. They accuse me of being bribed by him (Pastor Ng'ang’a) to remain quiet. He didn’t give me any money. He only offered me shoes and a suit.”

According to Mwangi, after the incident, he was held at the church for a full week, during which he was allegedly coerced into appearing before the congregation to say the slap was a holy act. He also claims the viral nature of the incident has affected his work as a hawker in Dandora, where he sells coffee and melons.

“I don’t have money yet, he is rich. My life is in danger. I don’t have any security, and now I have to be extra careful,” Mwangi said.

“He should pay me for hitting me like that. That incident affected me because now I can’t hawk coffee freely. He should pay me for slapping me. I can’t sell watermelon. I come back with stock without selling. Some of them think I have money.”

The incident took place during a church service earlier in April 2025 and was first widely reported on 17 April 2025, after footage of the slap went viral.

In an initial follow-up, Mwangi appeared in a video with Apostle Ng’ang’a, seemingly embracing the moment as spiritual.

“There is no problem. I’m ready for another slap. Let me be slapped, and the gospel continues. I’m ready to be an example to others,” he had said.

Mwangi initially played along with the narrative, referring to the slap as a "slap of blessing" and expressing no anger at the preacher.

With his new claims, however, the story has shifted significantly, painting a picture of a man who felt intimidated, mocked, and unsupported in the aftermath of a now-infamous church encounter.