Piece by: GEORGE MWENDWA

05 June 2024

• The controversial cleric has stirred emotions among Kenyans online.

Pastor James Ng'ang'a stirred up controversy online after being seen on video collecting Sh 1000 notes from his congregants for bottles of water.

In the video, he is seen preaching before pausing to tell his church members that they would pay Sh 1000 for each bottle of water they took.

"I want to see. I have given you water. And you will pay for it, each person, Sh1000. Everyone owes me. Bring Sh1000. Bring my money. You have angered me. You cannot drink my water for free.

If you don't have, give your shoes. If you don't have, don't sit in the front row, sit at the back," he said.

The video left many netizens calling out the pastor for taking money from people and shaming those who genuinely didn't have cash to give.

Here are some of the comments from social media users:

@harrietkemunto1 said:"Strong-arm robbery."

@yungdollar7 said:"If you don't have it, sit back there with your two hundred."

@opuravictor said:"But they did give, right?"

@doreen_havilah said:"Why are you angering the commander?"

@otieno_isss said:"I wonder how this church is full of congregants."

@unbothered_wairimu said:"When taxes are increased, we are silent. Ng'ang'a is collecting his creatively. Robbery without violence. We are so upset by Ng'ang'a but not by the government, why are you hurt?"