Pastor Ng’ang’a Slams Benny Hinn’s Praise of Kenya Amidst Rising Discontent
Apostle James Ng’ang’a, has criticized American televangelist Benny Hinn for misrepresenting Kenya’s situation. Ng’ang’a’s comments follow Hinn’s February 2024 crusade in Kenya, which attracted large crowds, including President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. While many saw Hinn’s visit as uplifting, Ng’ang’a and others felt it falsely portrayed the country’s state, leading to growing frustration.
During the crusade, Benny Hinn showered Kenya with praise. He called the nation “blessed” and highlighting the leadership of the Ruto administration. Hinn even went so far as to describe Kenya as a country with a “righteous government”. He suggested that the nation was spiritually positioned for greatness. Many in the audience, including prominent leaders, were encouraged by his remarks. Some viewing it as a reaffirmation of Kenya’s potential. Hinn’s words were seen as uplifting and reinforcing the notion that Kenya was on the right path. He also specifically lauded the First Lady for her contributions to the country’s leadership.
However, not everyone shared the same view. Pastor James Ng’ang’a, a well-known religious figure in Kenya, was quick to challenge the narrative presented by Hinn. He took issue with the preacher’s description of Kenya as a “righteous nation,” especially considering the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges. In Ng’ang’a’s eyes, Hinn’s portrayal failed to acknowledge the deep-rooted issues facing ordinary Kenyans. Issues like rising unemployment, inflation, soaring cost of living, and widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy. Ng’ang’a was particularly critical of the fact that the preacher’s positive remarks ignored the mounting public frustration that was building.
Following Hinn’s visit, Kenya saw a surge in protests, many of which were sparked by economic hardships, including the government’s handling of taxes and job cuts. In particular, the high cost of living and the increasing burden of taxes have fueled public discontent, leading to more frequent demonstrations across the country. The climax of these protests came on June 25, 2024, when demonstrators stormed Parliament in a dramatic display of frustration with the political elite. This chain of events made it increasingly difficult for those in government to ignore the growing discontent within the population.
Amid this backdrop of social unrest, Pastor Ng’ang’a’s concerns became even more pronounced. He publicly criticized Benny Hinn for what he saw as an overly optimistic and unrealistic view of the country. Ng’ang’a contended that Hinn’s excessive praise for the government and his portrayal of Kenya as a “spiritually blessed” nation did not reflect the harsh realities facing ordinary citizens. In his view, Hinn had painted a picture of Kenya that was far removed from the struggles many were enduring daily.
Ng’ang’a’s criticisms didn’t stop at words alone. The preacher also shared his personal regret over the financial support he had provided for Hinn’s crusade. He revealed that he had donated KSh 10,000 (roughly $60) to help fund the event but now felt deceived by the preacher’s message. Ng’ang’a’s disillusionment with Hinn’s visit was clear, and he called for accountability. He accused the televangelist of taking advantage of the Kenyan people, using their generosity for his own benefit while failing to provide the spiritual guidance the country so desperately needed. “Benny Hinn has nothing; he came to lie to us. How has it been since he came? Was he a true prophet?” Ng’ang’a lamented, questioning the preacher’s integrity.
Ng’ang’a went on to demand that Hinn return the money he had donated, expressing his anger at being misled. “You should have told us we would die so we would repent,” he said, reflecting on the gap between Hinn’s optimistic words and the harsh economic reality in Kenya. “You told us Kenya is a righteous country, and you’ve never seen such a government? Where?” His comments reflected the growing frustration of many Kenyans, who felt betrayed by the promises made during the crusade, which seemed disconnected from the reality of the country’s struggles.
For Ng’ang’a, this was not just about financial accountability—it was also about upholding integrity within the religious community. He believed that religious leaders like Benny Hinn had a responsibility to speak truthfully about the situation in Kenya, acknowledging the hardships faced by the people rather than offering empty praise to a government that many saw as failing them. The preacher’s message, Ng’ang’a argued, was not only misleading but also detrimental to the nation’s spiritual well-being. The growing divide between the promises made by Hinn and the struggles faced by many Kenyans underscored the difficulties of reconciling faith with the very real, day-to-day issues that the country was grappling with.
This controversy has brought to light deeper issues surrounding the intersection of religion, politics, and the economy in Kenya. Ng’ang’a’s outspoken criticism of Benny Hinn highlights the tension between religious leaders who feel responsible for addressing the nation’s problems and the political elite who often rely on religious figures. The debate over whether religious leaders should challenge the government or simply offer spiritual support to their followers is not new, but Ng’ang’a’s comments have added a fresh layer to this ongoing discourse.
As the situation in Kenya continues to evolve, with increasing unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace, Ng’ang’a’s calls for accountability may resonate more widely. His demand for greater transparency and honesty from religious leaders—especially those with international influence like Benny Hinn—has sparked important conversations about the role of faith in shaping public opinion and political outcomes. Whether or not Hinn will address the concerns raised by Ng’ang’a remains to be seen, but the preacher’s bold stance has already contributed to a broader conversation about the responsibility of religious figures to speak truthfully and meaningfully about the challenges facing Kenya.
