This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
Controversial Pastor James Ngángá has sparked a fresh row with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) after he claimed that only the Communication Authority (CA) has the power to shut down his TV channel, Sasa TV.
Ngángá, who is currently in the United States, made the statement in response to a warning letter from MCK CEO David Omwoyo, who accused him of breaching the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.
Omwoyo alleged that Ngángá had aired offensive content on Sasa TV, including a live broadcast where he used vulgar language to claim that God had protected him and that nurses would not be able to touch his private parts when he dies.
Ngángá, however, dismissed the allegations, saying that he was not under the jurisdiction of the MCK but rather the CA.
“As far as I know, I am not under Media Council of Kenya but under CA. We report to the CA and I receive the letter from them giving me a warning,” Ngángá said.
The pastor has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks, with his videos trending on social media for all the wrong reasons.
His comments have sparked a mixed reaction from Kenyans, with some calling for him to be clamped down while others have come to his defense.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was among those who expressed their disappointment with Ngángá's comments, saying that he needed prayers.
“Pastor Nganga i’m your follower and supporter but on this one No No No No Hapana Hapana Hapana. Umezidi Punguza ushimolatewa. You need prayers,” Sonko said.
Ngángá's statement comes after MCK CEO David Omwoyo said that the council was still investigating Sasa TV following the allegations of breach of code of conduct.
Omwoyo accused Ngángá of airing offensive content on Sasa TV, including a live broadcast where he used vulgar language to claim that God had protected him and that nurses would not be able to touch his private parts when he dies.
“The Council notes that the media house in question breached clauses 5 (b) (c) on Accountability and 10 (1) on Obscenity, Taste, and Tone in Reporting by allowing a presenter, Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a in a live broadcast from ‘Jerusalem City Kenya’ at 1024 hours where he uttered offensive and unprintable words on-air,” Omwoyo said.
