Demolition of Pastor James Ng’ang’a’s Neno Evangelism Centre in Nairobi is underway as of January 20, 2026. Workers from Kenya Railways Corporation started clearing parts of the property along Haile Selassie Avenue near Mombasa Road early this morning. The move follows long-standing land disputes between the church and the railway authority, which claims the land is part of its reserve for expansion projects.
The church building, a large structure with a distinctive red roof, has been a landmark in the area for over a decade. Pastor Ng’ang’a has preached there for many years, drawing big crowds for his services.
He bought the plot in 2010 from the Central Bank of Kenya for Sh42 million after it was declared surplus land. Kenya Railways later said the property still falls under their control, and they need it for planned railway upgrades and commercial development.
Ng’ang’a has fought the claim in court for years. He produced sale documents and argued the land was legally transferred. The matter has bounced between different benches. A temporary injunction once stopped any demolition, but recent court rulings lifted some protections.
The pastor said last week that he has a pending application to delay action, but Kenya Railways moved ahead anyway. In a video posted online, he appeared emotional, with tears in his eyes, calling it an injustice. He dared authorities to proceed, saying he would answer any consequences before God.
The demolition crew arrived with heavy machinery around 7 a.m. They first removed perimeter fencing and small structures. Church members and local residents gathered to watch. Some stood quietly.
Others took photos and videos. Police officers were present to keep order. No major disturbances were reported during the morning hours. The work is expected to continue over several days as the main building is taken down.
This is not the first time the church has faced removal threats. In 2020, Kenya Railways gave notice to vacate. Ng’ang’a went to court and got a temporary stop order.
The case dragged on through appeals. Last year, a judge ruled that the land belongs to the railway. The pastor appealed again, but enforcement moved forward this week.
Neno Evangelism Centre has thousands of members. Services have been held at the site for years, with live broadcasts reaching many more. The congregation has already started looking for a new place.
Some members said they will continue meeting in smaller venues or online while they find a permanent solution. Pastor Ng’ang’a told supporters not to lose hope. He said the church is more than a building.
Local leaders in the area have stayed mostly quiet. Some leaders said they are following the matter but cannot interfere with court orders. Business owners nearby worry about disruption during the demolition. Traffic along Haile Selassie Avenue slowed in the morning as curious crowds gathered.
The case shows how land disputes in Nairobi often involve powerful institutions and long legal battles. Public land claimed by government agencies sometimes gets sold or developed privately.
Courts decide many of these conflicts, but enforcement can take years. In this instance, Kenya Railways has the upper hand after recent rulings.
Pastor Ng’ang’a remains defiant. In his latest message, he said he will keep preaching no matter what happens to the building. He asked his followers to pray and stay calm.
The demolition continues as the city watches. The church’s future location is not yet known. For now, the site that once held large gatherings stands partly in rubble.
This story has drawn attention online. Many shared photos and videos of the machines at work. Some expressed sympathy for the congregation. Others said the law must take its course. The matter remains sensitive in a city where land ownership disputes are common.
