In a scene that has quickly circulated across social media, Apostle James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre halted a recent Sunday service to demand a change in the church’s digital display.
The controversial preacher, known for his blunt delivery, found himself at odds with the English scripture appearing on the large screens behind him.
The incident occurred as the Apostle intended to deliver a sermon on the power of speech and the consequences of one's words. However, the linguistic barrier of the English translation proved to be a source of immediate frustration for the lead pastor.
“What you say can pre…preserve…” the pastor struggled to read Proverbs 18:21.
“Remove This English”
As the English text appeared on the screen, Ng’ang’a stopped his address to confront the media team in charge of the presentation. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the English version, describing the situation with his characteristic sharp wit.
"Weka Kiswahili, sitaki ujinga ya hawa wazungu wanatuletea Ebola hapa," Ng’ang’a commanded his staff. "Toa hiyo kizungu."
He appeared to struggle with the English phrasing on the screen, dismissing it as unnecessary "nonsense" for the context of his message.
Focusing on the "Fruit"
Once the screen was updated to the Kiswahili translation, the Apostle began reading from the Book of Proverbs. He focused on the theme of life and death being held within the power of the tongue.
"Mauti na uzima viko katika uwezo wa ulimi," he read.
The moment took another humorous turn when the text on the screen seemingly jumped to a different verse. Ng’ang’a briefly started reading a passage about finding a wife: "Apataye mke...". He quickly stopped himself, realising the error.
"Ah ah, nataka ya matunda tu," he barked, steering the media team back to the topic of "fruit" rather than marriage.
Distrust of the "Swahili"
The Apostle's struggle with the technology continued for several moments. He expressed a general dislike for the complex Swahili terms, ordering his media team to revert back to English once again.
"Weka English, I don't like this Swahili, it’s too much," he remarked.
A History of Viral Outbursts
Apostle James Ng’ang’a is no stranger to viral moments. As the founder of Neno Evangelism Centre in Nairobi, he has built a massive following through his "unfiltered" preaching style. He often makes headlines for his public rebukes of his congregation, his bishops, and his technical staff.
His ministry has a significant presence on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where clips of his outbursts often garner hundreds of thousands of views. While some find his methods unorthodox, his supporters suggest his "realness" is what draws the crowds to his Nairobi headquarters.
