Controversial Neno Evangelism Centre founder, Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a, recently reunited with the man he was seen slapping in a viral video that sparked mixed reactions online.
During a recent church service in Nairobi, the outspoken preacher paused his sermon to call the man to the front and formally introduce him to the congregation.
Once the man joined him at the altar, Ng’ang’a took a moment to explain how the congregant had previously contacted him by phone and was later invited to attend the service at Neno Evangelism Centre.
Dressed in a red shirt and grey suit, the man confirmed before the congregation that he was indeed the one who received two slaps from the pastor. Surprisingly, he also expressed his willingness to receive another slap if it meant spiritual healing.
“Haina shida. Iko sawa. Mradi nipone na injili iendelee,” he said, meaning, “No problem. It’s okay—as long as I get healed and the gospel continues".
The man went on to say he was ready to be used as an example to other congregants who doze off during service.
“Niwe mfano kwa wengine. Huwezi kaa na mapepo ndani yako ama kizuizi, Mungu hawezi kuja ndani yako. Hiyo makofi ni nzuri juu ni ya Baraka,” he declared.
Meaning: “Let me be an example to others. You cannot carry demons or barriers inside you—God cannot dwell in you. That slap was good; it was a blessing.”
He then shared the spiritual struggles that had driven him to seek prayer from Pastor Ng’ang’a, revealing that he had been tormented by disturbing dreams involving a spiritual wife—a term often used to describe demonic or unsettling visions of being married in the dream world.
Despite praying and fasting on the mountain, he said the dreams persisted until Ng’ang’a prayed for him weeks ago and slapped him during the session.
“Umenipiga makofi mara mbili. Hiyo haikuonekana. Nilianguka chini ukaniombea nikaskia niko huru,” he recounted.
Translation: “You’ve slapped me twice. That one wasn’t caught on camera. I fell down, you prayed for me, and I felt free.”
As for the most recent incident during last Friday’s service, he confessed he didn’t know how he fell asleep—an act that led to the second slap.
“Mimi nikikuja nilikuja nasubiri neno. Ata sijui mahali usingizi ilitoka. Sijui (When I came, I was waiting for the word. I don’t even know where that sleep came from. I honestly don’t),” he said.
After the emotional testimony, Pastor Ng’ang’a offered a justification for his actions.
“Ukipenda mtoto unamchapa. Even my master, my Lord, alikuta watu wakiuza kwa Hekalu, akapindua meza zao na akawachapa (When you love a child, you discipline them. Even my master, my Lord, found people selling in the temple—He overturned their tables and beat them),” he told the church.
