As the debate over church regulation continues, Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Center has thrown down the gauntlet, daring the government to arrest him. In a bold move, he challenged the authorities to apprehend all religious leaders they consider to be rogue, including himself. “Let them come for you and me included. Come and arrest us; it is too much now,” he declared.
Ng’ang’a, who is currently out of the country, urged fellow preachers who exploit their followers for monetary gain to cease their behavior. He emphasized that his church does not condone starvation or harm to its members. “We don’t practice that in our church; you can come with biscuits and eat. Is it a must to eat? Even if I tell you not to eat, do you have the faith to withstand that?” he questioned.
Ng’ang’a also took a swipe at religious institutions that preach starvation to their followers, in light of the recent controversy surrounding Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church. Mackenzie is suspected of encouraging his congregation to starve to death in the hopes of ascending to heaven. Currently, police are exhuming bodies and rescuing survivors from his 800-acre property in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.
In response to the ongoing investigations, Pastor Ezekiel of New Life Prayer Centre and Church was detained over allegations of public indoctrination. Coast Regional Commissioner Rhodah Onyancha revealed that there were reported deaths on his premises. The police’s decision to summon him on Wednesday was influenced by the ongoing exhumation of bodies from Pastor Mackenzie’s farm in Shakahola Forest.
Ng’ang’a’s bold challenge has further heightened the scrutiny of religious institutions in Kenya. As the authorities continue to crack down on rogue preachers, the question on everyone’s mind is, who will be next?
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