Kenyan televangelist James Maina Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre has instructed wealthy individuals to stay away from his church services. His declaration featured in a video clip circulating across social media platforms.
Pastor Ng’ang’a stated that affluent congregants display pride rather than spiritual submission during worship. He advised wealthy individuals to seek alternative places of worship.
“Sitaki kuona tajiri kwa kanisa sababu ukija wewe ni kiburi tu na matumbo hapo,” Ng’ang’a said.
Reasons Behind the Ban
In the trending footage, the preacher expressed frustration with the conduct of rich churchgoers. He argued that wealthy members occupy front-row seats while remaining resistant to deliverance prayers.
According to Pastor Ng’ang’a, wealthy individuals fail to participate fully in spiritual deliverance. He claimed that their status prevents physical expressions of worship such as falling or screaming.
“Hata hamwezi anguka, hamwezi piga duru. Hiyo mapepo zenu hazigaragaragi. Ni matumbo tu na kukaa viti za mbele. Tafuta kanisa ingine uende.”Translated into English, the preacher remarked: “Rich people should not come. I do not want to see a rich person in church because when you come, it is just pride and big bellies there. You cannot even fall down. Your demons do not roll on the ground. These rich demons do not roll, just big bellies sitting on front seats. Find another church to go to.”
The Neno Evangelism Centre
Pastor Ng’ang’a established Neno Evangelism Centre in 1992. The ministry headquarters occupies a prominent parcel of land in Nairobi’s Central Business District along Haile Selassie Avenue. Over the past three decades, the organisation has grown into a major worship centre with several regional branches across Kenya.
The televangelist is known for his unfiltered preaching style and confrontational ministry methods. He has previously stated that Neno Evangelism operates primarily as a deliverance referral hub rather than a traditional neighbourhood church.
Ng’ang’a has consistently maintained that his personal livelihood does not rely on church tithes or financial contributions from wealthy members. In public interviews, he highlighted extensive personal business ventures established prior to entering full-time ministry.
Pattern of Unconventional DirectivesThis latest announcement follows a series of unconventional directives issued by the preacher regarding church attendance. In past services, Pastor Ng’ang’a directed university degree holders who limit prayer time to refrain from attending his services.
He has also previously barred young children and elderly individuals from attending overnight prayer sessions.
The video clip continues to draw widespread engagement and debate across various online platforms.
