Controversial city preacher James Ng’ang’a is once again at the center of public outrage after a viral, undated video surfaced showing him admitting to taking part in a gang rape alongside eight others. The shocking revelation has sparked intense backlash from Kenyans, especially women’s rights activists, who are demanding immediate action.
What Are Leaders Saying About the Viral Confession?
In the clip, Ng’ang’a appears to be speaking to his congregants mid-service as he openly confesses to the disturbing act. While the full context of the video remains unclear, many Kenyans have called for a police investigation. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was among the first to react, condemning the video and urging authorities to intervene.
“We cannot move past such a serious matter without holding space for real accountability. If that video is real, then it is not a sermon; it is a criminal confession. It should have been flagged instantly, and the pastor picked up for questioning by the authorities,” she stated.
Gender-based violence activist Njeri Migwi also criticized Ng’ang’a’s remarks, describing them as unacceptable. “This is NOT okay. This cannot go unanswered. Please do not say this is in the past. He’s a new man and what not. What message is that sending out? Where’s the accountability? So it’s okay to gang rape and move on with your life? Do you see how insidious rape culture is? Hapana,” she wrote.
Online, Kenyans expressed anger and disbelief. Geoffrey Mut commented, “The worst is that the flock will still come next Sunday to listen to him, offer tithes… Religion is a tool of control, and these ‘men of God’ have realised that Kenyans are dumb.” Another user, Mwacha, added, “I hope one day justice catches up with him. Fate can take a winding path, but we always meet it.”
Has Pastor Ng’ang’a Faced Controversy Before?
Ng’ang’a has long been a polarizing figure in Kenya’s religious scene. In a past interview, he admitted to serving jail time for involvement in crimes such as robbery. Recently, he stirred fresh controversy after scolding his congregation for not giving enough tithes and offerings.
During the heated sermon, he accused church members of refusing to contribute to rent and demanded immediate offerings. “Na mtoe sadaka, kama hamtaki kutoa mtoke hapa. Hamjalipa nyumba hii, toeni sadaka!” he declared. He even instructed ushers to bar those who had not given, saying, “Alafu usikuwe unafungulia watu mlango na hawatoi sadaka. Mtakuwa mkitolea kwa mlango pale.”
His remarks reignited online debates about financial transparency in churches and the growing misuse of religious influence.
By Risper Akinyi