Controversial city preacher Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre has stirred nationwide debate after a viral video showed him breaking down in tears and pleading for forgiveness. The less than a minute-long clip surfaced online days after another video emerged, in which Ng’ang’a appeared to confess to assaulting a woman alongside seven others.
In the emotional footage, the televangelist, visibly shaken, begs Kenyans to forgive him, citing his old age and frailty. “Even if I have wronged, just forgive me because I am growing old,” Ng’ang’a says before bursting into tears and starting to pray mid-sentence.
“Yes, my Father. Yes, Jehovah Lord. Help me, Lord. Thank you,” he prays emotionally. “I might not finish this because I am feeling the grace of God.” The clip ends abruptly after he wipes his teary eyes, leaving viewers stunned and divided.
Earlier in the week, another video now widely circulated online showed the preacher admitting to a disturbing act during a church service. “We assaulted one woman while we were eight people. We did it,” Ng’ang’a was heard saying, sparking nationwide outrage.
The confession prompted leaders and citizens to demand action. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to verify the video’s authenticity and take appropriate action. “In this era of AI-generated and manipulated videos, I don’t know if the clip is genuine or a deep fake, but one thing remains: it must be investigated,” she stated.
In a subsequent statement, Ng’ang’a dismissed the uproar as politically motivated, claiming powerful individuals were targeting him because of his growing influence. “You started by attacking me with this land; you don’t fear the Lord. I will present my case to God, who will scatter you,” he declared defiantly.
As investigations continue, the viral videos have reignited conversations about accountability, deepfakes, and the influence of religious leaders in Kenya’s society.
