Pastor James Ng'ang'a Protests Uhuru's Decision to Close Churches over COVID-19

Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism has criticized President Kenyatta for ordering the closure of churches to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Ng’ang’a faulted the president and the government for grouping places of worship together with bars, arguing that church-goers are more disciplined compared to revelers.

The outspoken televangelist further indicated that the church is the first place people seek refuge during hard times.

“In 2007, people ran to the church to seek comfort. But right now, naona wameanza kushikanisha bar na kanisa. Kanisa sio walevi wako huko. They are people who can control themselves,” said Ng’ang’a.

He wondered why the government allowed public service vehicles to continue operating yet places of worship are more spacious, making it easy to achieve social distancing.

“My message is that people should not forget God. Empty you came and empty you will go. No matter how rich you are,” he added.

Ng’ang’a says the pandemic has not affected his work as he has been in Kajiado building a megachurch.

“I have started building another church in Kajiado, which will look like Jerusalem city. The pandemic has not affected me as I am still serving God and building God’s house, not a kiosk. It is the house of the Lord and it is built by the few appointed,” he said.

Pastor Ng’ang’a is the second clergyman to protest the new COVID-19 rules imposed by the government after Bishop Peter Ambuka of PEFA Kahawa West.

Uhuru ordered a cessation of movement into and out of the One Zoned Area comprising the counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Machakos, and Kajiado.

He also suspended the operation of bars and places of worship in the five counties until further notice.