Pastor Ng’ang’a Warns Against Use Of AI To Spread False Information About His Church
Image: Pastor James Ng´ang´aIn a characteristically fiery sermon that has since gone viral, Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre issued a stern warning to Kenya’s “Gen Z” demographic regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spread misinformation about his ministry.
The controversy erupted following a wave of AI-generated images and videos circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), which appeared to show heavy machinery leveling his iconic church located at the junction of Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway in Nairobi.
The fake demolition
The confusion began in mid-January 2026, when hyper-realistic digital content began surfacing, claiming that the government had finally moved to reclaim the land occupied by the Neno Evangelism Centre. These reports gained traction because the church has been embroiled in a long-standing legal tussle with Kenya Railways and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over the land’s ownership.
However, Pastor Ng’ang’a was quick to clarify that while the legal battle is ongoing, the church remains standing. He accused tech-savvy youths of using AI tools to create “spiritual and physical confusion.”
Ng’ang’a’s warning to Gen Z
Known for his “no-nonsense” approach and raw communication style, the preacher did not mince words. In a clip from his latest service, he addressed the creators of the deepfakes directly. Ng’ang’a warned that while Gen Z may have the “brains for computers,” they lack the “wisdom of the spirit.” He cautioned that using AI to “prophesy” the downfall of a man of God would carry spiritual consequences
The AI Dilemma in Kenya
This incident highlights a growing trend in Kenya where AI is being used to manipulate public perception. From “AI-nimated” political scandals to fake celebrity endorsements, the line between reality and digital fabrication is thinning. For figures like Pastor Ng’ang’a, who often find themselves at the center of controversy, AI presents a new frontier of reputational risk.
”You sit there with your laptops and think you can pull down this church with a button? This is not a cartoon. This is Neno!”— Pastor Ng’ang’a
Current Status of Neno Evangelism
Despite the digital rumors, the Neno Evangelism Centre continues its operations. However, the preacher remains on high alert. The government has recently intensified efforts to reclaim land allegedly grabbed from public entities, and Ng’ang’a has consistently maintained that he purchased the land legally from the Central Bank of Kenya for Ksh42 million.
As the battle between “The Commander” and the “Digital Natives” continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the power—and the peril—of Artificial Intelligence in the modern age.
