Pastor James Ng’ang’a and his wife, Murugi Maina, are once again at the centre of online debate after a series of light-hearted but telling exchanges during church services went viral.

In one recent video, the controversial preacher announced to his congregation that the couple would soon be travelling abroad.

“We had said we are going to Seattle,” he remarked. His wife quickly confirmed, “Yes, we are going.”

But Ng’ang’a added with a cheeky smile that she should remain behind to care for their young children. Murugi, without missing a beat, asked him why he was travelling when he also had children.

Her unexpected rebuttal left both her husband and congregants amused. “Haha, she is also asking why I’m travelling and I also have kids,” Ng’ang’a said with a laugh.

Online, Kenyans were quick to react. Some admired Murugi’s calm composure, others joked about her subtle defiance, while a few praised her sense of fashion and confidence.

“The level of her calmness and composure is always on another level,” one user wrote, while another added, “Her skin is goals; she’s always glowing.”

Subtle Defiance in the Pulpit

This wasn’t the first time Murugi had stood her ground in public. In an earlier service, Ng’ang’a had urged her to rebuke congregants for skipping overnight prayers.

“Call them stupid. How can they leave you here and go to sleep?” he said. Murugi, dressed elegantly in red, instead encouraged members to prioritise prayer while acknowledging the responsibilities that often hold women back.

“I will not call you stupid, as he said, because I understand you,” she told the church.

Her refusal sparked a playful back-and-forth with Ng’ang’a, who accused her of defending the congregation. At one point, she rolled her eyes in mock frustration, sending the crowd into laughter.

READ MORE: The Inspiring Story of Apostle James Nganga: From Prison to Prosperity

A Candid Look at a Rocky Marriage

Beyond these humorous exchanges, the couple has also been candid about their rocky marriage journey. Ng’ang’a has admitted their relationship faced turbulence, even involving the police when Murugi once walked out over suspicious text messages.

Murugi herself revealed she had not been prepared for the scrutiny that came with marrying a pastor.

“What I thought marriage was turned out to be very different,” she said. “There were men who wanted me, and women who wanted him. It was not easy.”

At one point, she packed her bags and left, later admitting she regretted it. Determined to salvage their union, the pair decided to “start afresh,” changing phone numbers and working to rebuild trust without outside interference.

Murugi confessed that advice from single friends nearly swayed her to leave permanently, but she chose to stay. Today, she describes her role as “difficult but blessed,” saying faith gives her strength.

“God gives us what we can handle. I’m graced for this position,” she reflected.

The couple’s candidness, playful exchanges, and resilience continue to fascinate Kenyans—painting a picture of a marriage that, while far from perfect, is marked by openness, humour, and an unshaken bond.