Pastor Ng'ang'a's Neno Evangelism Centre Demolished in Nairobi CBD

In a dramatic escalation of a protracted legal and land dispute, the iconic Neno Evangelism Centre, led by Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a, was demolished today at the bustling junction of Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Eyewitnesses report that heavy machinery moved in early afternoon, tearing down the church structure while security officials cordoned off the area. Authorities have warned residents, motorists, and worshippers to exercise caution near the site. Pastor Ng’ang’a condemned the demolition as “unlawful” and appealed to his congregation to remain calm: “This was done without proper notice and disregards the ongoing court processes. Our faith remains unshaken. I urge all members to pray for justice and safety.” He reiterated that he legally purchased the land from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in 2004, paying Ksh 42 million, and was subsequently issued a title under the name Neno Evangelism Centre. “I followed all legal procedures. The land was purchased in good faith, and we have documentation to prove it,” he says Members of the congregation expressed shock and dismay, with some saying the demolition felt “heartbreaking” after decades of worship and community activities at the site. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) have consistently maintained that the land was originally reserved for public use, including railway expansion and other infrastructure projects. They argue that the titles currently held by private individuals, including Pastor Ng’ang’a, are fraudulent or irregular. “The land is public property. The demolition is part of enforcement to reclaim land that was illegally occupied. We are committed to following the rule of law and protecting public resources,” EACC earlier said” The dispute has seen multiple court interventions over the years. In 2023, the High Court in Nairobi granted an injunction temporarily restraining authorities from evicting Pastor Ng’ang’a, pending ongoing litigation over land ownership. However, enforcement action proceeded today despite these legal safeguards, highlighting tensions between government agencies and private landholders. The Environment and Land Court is yet to hear substantive arguments on the legality of Ng’ang’a’s ownership and the alleged irregular issuance of the land title. Reports suggest that other private entities on the same parcel of land could face similar enforcement measures if courts eventually rule in favor of public authorities. “We respect the court processes, but our mandate to protect public land is clear,” said a Kenya Railways official on site. Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the site due to ongoing clearance operations. The demolition has caused traffic disruptions along the busy junction, with emergency services on standby to manage any incidents. For Pastor Ng’ang’a and his followers, the demolition marks a painful chapter in a long-standing battle over land rights, urban planning, and governance in Nairobi’s central district.