Kenyan Women parliamentarians have come out to strongly condemn controversial preacher Pastor Ng’ang’a for his remarks during a church service.
The Neno Evangelism Centre founder sparked outrage on January 19, 2025, after a video surfaced of one of his preachings where he made controversial rape comments.
In a statement dated January 20, 2025, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) termed the preacher’s comments as harmful and insensitive.
“Such statements are not only harmful and insensitive but also undermine the ongoing fight against GBV and its devastating impact on survivors and their families,” part of the statement read.
While calling out Ng’ang’a, KEWOPA emphasized that such statements whether made as a joke or not, carry weight and should not be taken lightly as they perpetuate harmful stereotypes that normalize Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“Rape is not a subject for jest or mockery. It is a heinous crime that leaves survivors with lifelong emotional, psychological, and physical scars. Such reckless and insensitive statements not only undermine the pain of survivors but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes that normalize GBV in our communities,” the statement continued.
The women MPs further highlighted the critical role of religious leaders in shaping societal values, urging them to promote messages of love and respect rather than inflicting harm or demeaning others.
“We must also recognize the critical role that faith-based institutions and their leaders play in shaping societal values and attitudes. It is imperative that religious leaders lead by example, fostering messages of love, respect, and the protection of all, particularly the vulnerable in society,” KEWOPA said.
The Parliamentary Association led by Kajiado Woman representative Leah Sankaire directed Ng’ang’a to issue an apology to sexual violence survivors and Kenyan women.
“KEWOPA calls on Pastor Ng’ang’a to issue an unreserved apology to survivors of sexual violence and the women of Kenya,” Sankaire said.
