Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a, the founder of Mamlaka Hill Chapel, has taken his former church to the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi. Mamlaka Hill Chapel Founder Sues Own Church, Seeks Reinstatement in KSh 1.2m Salary Dispute He is demanding reinstatement and more than KSh21 million after officials dismissed him and allegedly stripped him of his ordination. How the Dispute Unfolded Ng’ang’a says he established the church in August 2005, signed an employment contract as senior pastor in January 2011 and was ordained bishop in November 2019. Court papers show his gross monthly salary was KSh1,236,147 at the time of his removal. His troubles with the church leadership began when he was suspended in March 2026. According to the Court Helicopter, a notice to show cause followed on June 11, citing allegations of gross misconduct. Ng’ang’a says he asked for details of the complaints, supporting evidence and clarification on the authority of those disciplining him, but was given only until June 22 to respond, with a hearing scheduled for the very next day. He attended the June 23 meeting but requested a postponement, arguing that his concerns had not been addressed.
The clergyman added that no complainants or witnesses appeared before him, and that no evidence was examined in his presence. A pastor based in the United States was among those he had hoped to call. Two days later, on June 25, he was summarily dismissed. Church officials subsequently circulated communications to staff, congregants and international pastors announcing his removal, revoking his ordination and withdrawing recognition of him as a reverend. He was also removed from official staff WhatsApp groups. What Ng’ang’a Is Asking the Court In the petition, Ng’ang’a names Jonathan Njoroge, Rev. Richard Maulo Munala, James Chege and Geoffrey Kibathi Mbugua as the respondents, accusing them of acting as an Elders’ Court without the authority to suspend him, dismiss him or install Munala as acting bishop. He lodged an internal appeal on June 27, but argues the process was compromised because the same officials whose decision he was challenging appointed the appeal committee. The committee upheld the dismissal on July 17. Through Kiragu Wathuta and Company Advocates, he is asking the court to declare both the disciplinary process and his dismissal unlawful and to restore him to his position without loss of salary, benefits, status or seniority. His monetary claims include KSh 14,833,764 in compensation, equivalent to 12 months’ salary, and KSh 6,207,039.60 for accrued annual leave. He is also seeking damages for alleged constitutional violations, interest and costs. Pending the outcome of the case, he wants the court to halt implementation of his dismissal, protect his access to church premises and bar Munala from continuing to act as bishop. All allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
