Pastor James Nganga in a more recent preaching episode. /SCREENGRABA 27-year-old video clip of Neno Evangelism founder Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a preaching at a Mombasa church service has resurfaced online, capturing the preacher passionately declaring his dream to become an international televangelist — a vision many believe has since come true.
In the vintage footage shared on X by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, a much younger Ng’ang’a is seen addressing a small congregation in what appears to be a modest, makeshift church in the coastal city.
He opens the sermon with a spirited Swahili worship chant: “Tutaitwa majina, tutakaribishwa na majina” — loosely translating to “We will be called by names, we will be welcomed by names.”
Moments later, in an emotive moment, Ng’ang’a lifts his gaze heavenward and declares: “James Maina Ng’ang’a, Bwana akiniita sitarudi (When the Lord calls me, I will not come back)”
What follows is a bold prophecy of his future in global ministry.
“That’s my prayer. Nina maono ya kuhubiri kwa ulimwengu. Mwaka ujao nitaanza kwenda international. Nilikuwa sina passport sasa niko nayo. Nitaanza kuwa na mikutano kule nje,” he says.
(I have a vision of preaching to the world. Next year I will go international. I never had a passport but now I have it. I will start having meetings abroad)
He goes on to declare his intentions to hold his first major crusade in Nairobi on December 5, 1998.
“Tunaenda kufagia Nairobi, sijui wataona waganga, sijui wataona Kabwere. Halelluja, maana naanza kuiombea leo.”
Kabwere is said in apparent reference to the legendary Giriama traditional healer Kabwere Wanje who was believed to possess magical powers that would make him appear and disappear at will.
Legend has it that he would slip through British colonialists as they tried to capture him, a reference Ng'ang'a said as a light-hearted jab at how his spiritual exploits would be misinterpreted in the capital city.
“Nairobi nakuja, we are coming. Sijui nitaondoka na ndege ama nitaondoka na gari, I will ask God,” he says, stirring laughter and applause from his audience.
Perhaps the most striking part of the sermon is his prayer for a sign of prosperity: “Nimeanza kuomba Mungu muujiza wa gari moja kubwa. Ngoja utaisikia tu ukiwa Mombasa (I have started praying to God for the miracle of a big car. Just wait, you’ll hear it while still in Mombasa).”
Looking back, many social media users say the clip is evidence that the controversial preacher — now one of Kenya’s most recognisable televangelists — spoke his journey into existence.
Known for his flamboyance, firebrand sermons, and dramatic television broadcasts, Ng’ang’a has built a massive following through his Neno Evangelism ministry.
He is not shy about his transformation — from a former convict who served time in Nakuru Prison in the 1970s, to a spiritual leader claiming to walk in God’s favour.
“I used to envy staying out of jail for even just two months, or at least, six months,” he said in a 2023 interview, reflecting on his past before embracing salvation in 1992.
Now often seen driving luxury cars, leading televised crusades, and making headlines with his colourful personality, the 1998 clip offers a raw, rare glimpse of Ng’ang’a before the limelight — preaching in simple robes, but with an unshakable conviction that the world would one day hear his name.
