Kisumu County Senator Tom Ojienda has called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to investigate controversial preacher James Ng'ang'a following a viral incident at his church.
Speaking at the Senate on Wednesday, November 5, Senator Ojienda raised three critical questions demanding accountability for the conduct of religious leaders in Kenya.
The ODM senator sought clarification on whether formal investigations have been launched into the incident involving the Neno Evangelism Center founder, who was recently filmed physically assaulting a member of his congregation during a service broadcast live.
In response, Cs Murkomen noted that the incident was never reported to the police, nor did the alleged victim file a complaint, leaving the authorities with little room to take action.
"The faithful whom Pastor Ng'ang'a allegedly slapped have not filed any formal complaint. Therefore, no investigations are currently underway," Murkomen noted. "We are witnessing a lot of these issues in churches, and it is a concern. Because of the extent of loyalty, very few record statements and therefore very little can be done by the police."
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In April, a video went viral showing Neno Evangelism Pastor Ng'ang'a approaching a worshipper seated in the front row and striking him twice across the face after he was found sleeping during the service.
The preacher then ordered the man to relocate to the back of the church, commanding him in Swahili to "wake up and go sit at the back."
The pastor's attention then turned to a woman seated beside the man, questioning why she had failed to alert him. When the woman explained she had been concentrating on the sermon and hadn't noticed her neighbor had dozed off, Ng'ang'a initially instructed her to also move to the rear of the church. However, when she responded that "every person should carry their own cross," the preacher relented and allowed her to remain seated.
The footage triggered widespread condemnation across social media platforms, with Kenyans calling for stricter oversight of churches and religious organizations. Several Members of Parliament also weighed in, demanding that action be taken against the controversial clergyman.
In his Senate address, Ojienda pressed the Interior CS on what legislative or policy measures currently exist, or are being considered, to regulate the behavior of religious leaders and institutions.
He emphasized the need to prevent abuse of power, public humiliation, and coercion of worshippers while maintaining the constitutional protection of religious freedom guaranteed under Article 32.
The senator also raised concerns about safeguards for congregants and whistleblowers who come forward to report incidents of abuse, violence, or exploitation within religious settings, questioning what protections are in place for such individuals.
The incident has reignited the national debate on the regulation of religious institutions in Kenya, with calls growing louder for a framework that balances religious freedom with the protection of worshippers from potential abuse by spiritual leaders.
