Renowned pastor and founder of Neno Evangelism, James Ng’ang’a, is embroiled in a fierce legal battle over the ownership of the land housing his church in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

The dispute has taken a contentious turn, with an unnamed politician allegedly seeking to claim the prime property.

Pastor Ng’ang’a’s struggles began when Kenya Railways asserted its claim to the land along Haile Selassie Avenue, arguing that it falls within a railway reserve.

In response, the pastor filed a legal order in June 2023 to prevent the government entity from evicting him.

The case, identified as ELCLc/E151/2021, has prompted an urgent response from the court, setting a hearing date for November 7, 2023.

Ng’ang’a has asserted that he “bought this land in 2004 from the Central Bank of Kenya” for Sh42 million from the Kenya Finance Investment Company (formerly Kenya Finance Corporation)and has vowed to stage a legal battle to retain ownership of the property.

In an undated video that recently went viral, Pastor Ng’ang’a addressed his congregation, shedding light on the intensifying conflict.

“There is a politician who I hear is fighting me. He has said that he will handle me,” the pastor revealed.

Emphasising his position, Ng’ang’a asserted, “Listen here, you politician, I will not mention your name, but understand one thing. I’m not your age mate. I was not in university with you. I repeat, I’m not your agemate. I was circumcised in 1972. If you take this field, know that God did not call me to service. You will burn in a plane crash,” he declared to applause from his congregation.

Ng’ang’a expressed his concerns about the politician’s intentions regarding the land adjacent to his church.

“I left Mombasa, and God led me to Nairobi. I set up the church in Fig Tree, Ngara, and later I came to this slot here in Town. Why is the piece of land next to mine not being touched? You want to take over my land and do with it what you did to Uhuru Park? Watch out. I can come with a gun,” warned the pastor.

The ongoing legal battle and the pastor’s stern warning have captured the attention of the public, raising questions about the intersection of property rights, political influence, and the role of religious institutions in urban spaces.