How Pastor Ngángá stole the show at Rhema Feast

Apostle James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism leads the crowd in song and dance on the final day of Rhema Feast at Uhuru Park on Friday, September 5, 2025. /SCRENGRAB

He may not have been among the headline ministers, but Apostle James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism stole the spotlight on the final day of the hugely attended Rhema Feast at Uhuru Park on Friday.

Clad in a purple suit, light pink shirt, blue striped tie, and his trademark red fez-style cap, Ng’ang’a—known to his fans as Commander—strode to the podium after the crowd demanded to hear from him.

“Najua chenye mnachocha, mnataka msalimiwe na commander (I know what you’re pushing for — you just want to get a shout-out from the commander),” the MC’s voice rang out through the public address system, sending the crowd into rapturous applause.

“Commander kuja usalimie watu wa Mungu,” attracted another loud cheer, as the outspoken televangelist and musician made his way to the meticulously decorated stage.

“Yeah, hallelujah! Bwana Yesu apewe sifa,” he began.

Ng’ang’a went on to share a brief history of the Rhema Feast, recalling the last time it was held in Kenya.

“Nashukuru Bwana kwa sababu ya hii revival ambayo imekuja. Tulikuwa hapa ya mwisho wakati ya bomb blast (1998)."

(I thank the Lord for this revival that has come. The last time we were here was during the time of the bomb blast)

Speaking mainly in Swahili, Ng’ang’a explained that his choice of language stemmed from his “limited” formal education—something he embraced with pride.

“Listen, let me give you my testimony. I’m not learned, but I have Jesus,” he declared, drawing wild cheers.

The apostle opened up about his troubled past, including time served in prison, where he said he found salvation in 1989, three years before his release in 1992.

“1965 ndio nilitoka shule, sina karatasi yoyote lakini niko na Yesu (I finished school in 1965. I do not have any certificates, but I have Jesus).”

Encouraging the faithful, he reminded them that the Lord never forgets those who put their trust in Him.

“Leo wewe uko hapa, unaondoka hapa na miujiza yako (Today you are here, and you will leave this place with your miracle).”

In his trademark humorous style, Ng’ang’a then lightened the mood with a quip that sent the congregation into fits of laughter: “Najua mhubiri amesema Yesu anakuja na mimi naomba asikuje sababu niko na crusade zingine na mke wangu ni Gen Z.

(I know the preacher has said that Jesus is coming, but I pray that He does not come yet, because I still have other crusades to attend, and my wife is Gen Z).

The joke landed perfectly, drawing thunderous cheers as he laughed along.

“Ahahaha, God bless you kwa kunipenda,” he said, waving warmly at the crowd.

But the audience wanted more of their beloved Commander.

They demanded a song from his popular praise-and-worship repertoire, well-known from his Sunday sermons. He obliged.

Starting playfully with, “sasa naenda majuu, sasa naenda Seattle,” he then led the crowd in spirited worship with “Simba wa Yuda, Simba wa Yuda hakuna mwingine.”

As the band played, Ng’ang’a encouraged the crowd and backup singers to join in the singing and dancing, before finally leaving the stage to a thunderous round of ovation.

Rhema Feast is a non-denominational apostolic movement that draws Christians from all walks of life, united in their hunger for God.

This year’s edition was headlined by prominent local and international ministers, including founder Reverend Julian Kyula, Apostle Joshua Selman, Bishop Kathy Kiuna, Bishop JB Masinde, Sinach, and Nathaniel Bassey, among others.