Throwback video of Pastor Ng'ang'a manifesting fame, wealth in 1997 goes viral

A 1997 video of controversial preacher Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a preaching in Mombasa has resurfaced online, stirring reactions across social media.

The clip making rounds online shows a young Ng’ang’a boldly declaring his future dreams of founding a large church, preaching internationally, and appearing on live television.

“Nina maono ya kuwekwa kwa TV. Nina maono ya kuenda international na kuhubiri ulimwengu mzima. Nilikuwa sina passport, sasa niko nayo. Naona nikienda mikutano ya nje,” he proclaims in the video.

At the time, Pastor Ng’ang’a had just received his first passport and was preparing to host his very first crusade in Nairobi.

He confidently announced the event, stating, “Kutakuwa na crusade ya kwanza Nairobi on December 5. Sijui wataona ni wanganga lakini Nairobi tunakuja. We are coming.”

The Neno Evangelism Centre founder also prayed for God to provide transportation for his mission work—specifically a luxurious car.

“Naanza kuombea leo. Sijui tutaenda na ndege ama gari. Naomba Mungu anipe miujiza ya gari kubwa mtasikia mkiwa Mombasa.”

Fast forward 27 years, and many of those visions appear to have materialized.

At the moment, Pastor Ng’ang’a is one of Kenya’s most prominent and controversial televangelists.

He preaches on Sasa TV, a gospel channel owned by his Nairobi-based church.

In 2021, however, the Communications Authority of Kenya suspended the station for airing inappropriate content.

The ban was lifted after staff completed mandatory training on broadcasting regulations, including live transmission oversight, content moderation, and consumer protection.

Beyond the pulpit, Ng’ang’a is also known for his lavish lifestyle and business empire.

Earlier this year, he dismissed a KSh10 million land arrears demand from Nairobi City County, calling the amount insignificant.

“City Council ya Nairobi, milioni kumi ni taka taka kwangu. Ata milioni tano ni taka taka kwangu, ata naweza peana gari yangu,” he said in a viral video. “Shamba mlipeleka kortini, ni sawa imefungwa. Mimi sijakataa kulipa.”

Mike Sonko’s caption on the resurfaced video read: “Did anyone notice he now has achieved all that he said back then? Words are very powerful.”

The post drew a wave of online reactions.

One X user wrote, “It all starts in the mind. You have to believe first, before anything real can happen.”

Another added, “We are who we think we are… speak blessings in your life and upon your children.”