Neno Evangelism Centre televangelist James Ng’ang’a was yesterday charged with intent to kill Citizen TV journalist Linus Kaikai.
Pastor Ng’ang’a is also charged with incitement to violence and disobedience of law. He appeared before Kiambu principal magistrate Justus Kituku and denied the charges.
He was represented by three lawyers led by Charles Ogoto.
The magistrate freed him on Sh200,000 bail pending the mention of the case on April 3.
Senior state counsel Christine Mbevi did not oppose the bail application but said investigators would keep his phone for analysis and as exhibit.
The magistrate dismissed an application by the defence to block the media from covering the case.
Ng'ang'a's lawyers had argued that the complainant, being a media personality, might negatively influence the coverage of the case.
Kituku said the court cannot stop the media from covering any case as no evidence of misreporting has been tabled to warrant such an order.
Ng'ang'a is charged that on or about March 10 in Nairobi he uttered the words "Wewe kijana wachana na mambo zako, na kama umeingia laini ya Ng'ang'a, my friend you will face the consequences. I can't hide you but you can hide me." The words allegedly constituted a threat to Kaikai's life.
Further, Ng'ang'a allegedly uttered, "Nakuambia kijana, I am telling you as chief general commander, chief general commander, you have to stop that. If you don't, I promise you will face the consequences." The prosecution said the words implied the pastor's desire to bring death or physical injury to the director of strategy and innovation at Royal Media Services, which owns Citizen TV.
The pastor was arrested on Sunday night for questioning at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Kiambu Road. DCI's Inspector John Wahome is leading the investigations. He works at the Homicide Unit.
Last week, the controversial preacher released a sensational video clip on social media against the journalist for criticising rogue preachers. Kaikai called for regulation of the religious sector and a requirement that clerics be well educated.
Kaikai is said to have hit out at religious leaders who exploit their flock in the name of God.
