In a twist only Kenya’s Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a could pull off, the controversial founder of Neno Evangelism Centre publicly reunited with the man he famously slapped in a viral video that recently stirred a storm online.
The unexpected reunion unfolded during a lively church service in Nairobi, where the outspoken preacher paused mid-sermon to invite the man to the front of the congregation. With cameras rolling and worshippers watching, Pastor Ng’ang’a introduced him as the same individual seen receiving two firm slaps in the now-infamous clip.
Clad in a red shirt and grey suit, the man confirmed he was indeed the recipient of the viral moment. But in a surprising turn, he expressed no bitterness—only gratitude.
“Haina shida. Iko sawa. Mradi nipone na injili iendelee,” he told the church, meaning, “No problem. It’s okay—as long as I get healed and the gospel continues.”
Taking it even further, the man said he was happy to be used as an example to others who drift off during services.
“Niwe mfano kwa wengine… Hiyo makofi ni nzuri juu ni ya Baraka,” he said, which translates to, “Let me be an example to others… That slap was good; it was a blessing.”
He went on to share his personal struggles, revealing that he had long been haunted by unsettling dreams of a “spiritual wife”—a term often used to describe demonic dream encounters. Despite praying and fasting on a mountain, he said the torment continued until he visited Neno Evangelism, where Pastor Ng’ang’a prayed for him—and delivered the first slap.
“Umenipiga makofi mara mbili… Nilianguka chini ukaniombea nikaskia niko huru,” he recalled. Translation: “You’ve slapped me twice. That one wasn’t caught on camera. I fell down, you prayed for me, and I felt free.”
Regarding the second, more public slap during last Friday’s service, the man admitted he didn’t even realize he had dozed off.
“Mimi nikikuja nilikuja nasubiri neno… Sijui mahali usingizi ilitoka,” he said. “I came waiting for the Word. I don’t know where the sleep came from.”
Pastor Ng’ang’a, never one to shy away from controversy, defended his actions with scripture.
“Ukipenda mtoto unamchapa… Even my master, my Lord, alikuta watu wakiuza kwa Hekalu, akapindua meza zao na akawachapa,” he said. Translation: “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.”
As expected, reactions remain divided online—some see it as spiritual discipline, others as an abuse of the pulpit.
