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Preacher Ng’ang’a rushes to block prosecution for ‘defrauding’ Chinese Sh3.6m


Controversial televangelist James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Ministry on Monday moved to court seeking to stop his impending prosecution over refusal to settle rent arrears totaling to Sh3.6 million.

His imminent prosecution arises after he rented a 17 bedroom house in one of Nairobi’s leafy suburbs to Chinese Nationals.

Three years later the deal went sour.

He is being accused by his former tenants of fraudulently taking away the said money.

In his application, Ng’ang’a argues that the criminal investigations against him over nonpayment of the arrears are purely based on a business transaction, which should be classified as a civil suit.

Ng’ang’a has listed businessman Wickson Njoroge Mwathi, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as respondents in the case.

He wants the court to stop the State from charging him pending the hearing and determination of his petition. He accuses the respondents of subjecting him to “untold mental and psychological anguish and torture.”

He also claims that the IG, DPP and the DCI are depriving him of his freedom and security.

The clergyman further submits that the intended prosecution against him is a violation of his fundamental right to fair trial.

Through lawyer Cliff Oduk, Ng’ang’a says he entered into a lease agreement on L.R No. 7792/25 and 7792/26 Karen, Nairobi, on April 6, 2016 with the said businessman.

The pastor further adds that L.R Number 7792/25 and 7792/92 Karen, Nairobi, was a residential property which was rented as 17 bed-roomed house with an extra-large parking space.

According to the pastor, the rent at the time was Sh450,000 per month, clear of any deductions and was payable yearly or in advance of or before fifth day of the month.

Ng’ang’a spent a night at Central police station in Nairobi after he was arrested at his home on Thursday and was released on police bond on Friday morning.