Apologise: MPs Demand Pastor Ng'ang'a Over Rape Remarks
KEWOPA condemned in the strongest terms the remarks by Pastor Ng'ang'a trivializing rape and demeaning women.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has condemned remarks made by controversial Nairobi preacher Pastor James Maina Ng'ang'a which went viral on social media as they were believed to have bordered on rape.
Ng'ang'a, known for his controversial and sensational views on social affairs, made unprintable remarks linking certain types of dressing and makeup by women to rape, captured in a clip which went viral and had Kenyans expressing their outrage over his failure to read the room.
In a statement, KEWOPA condemned in the strongest terms the remarks by Pastor Ng'ang'a trivializing rape and demeaning women.
KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankaire (Kajiado) speaking during a pastoralist leadership summit in Wajir County on December 9, 2024. /LEAH SANKAIRE
"As a society, we must uphold the dignity and respect of all individuals, especially at a time when gender-based violence (GBV) is on the rise in Kenya. Such statements are not only harmful and insensitive but also undermine the ongoing fight against GBV and its devastating impact on survivors and their families," the statement read in part.
The women MPs went on to affirm that rape is a serious crime with devastating after-effects that include mental, adding that the pastor's remarks undermine the ordeal survivors face. "Rape is not a subject for jest or mockery. It is a heinous crime that leaves survivors with lifelong emotional, psychological, and physical scars."
"Such reckless and insensitive statements not only undermine the pain of survivors but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes that normalize GBV in our communities," added the statement.
KEWOPA expressed that religious leaders in particular should be at the forefront in promoting empathy, understanding, and a zero-tolerance stance against violence and discrimination at a time when Kenya is grappling with rising cases of GBV.
In their words, words matter, and public figures must use their platforms to educate, empower, and advocate for positive societal change, not to inflict harm or demean others.
The Parliamentary Association, led by Kajiado Woman representative Leah Sankaire, added that it was vital to recognize the critical role that faith-based institutions and their leaders play in shaping societal values and attitudes.
"It is imperative that religious leaders lead by example, fostering messages of love, respect, and the protection of all, particularly the vulnerable in society. Such actions will reinforce the moral fabric of our communities and serve as a foundation for addressing the deep-rooted causes of GBV," added the statement.
To this end, the women MPs demanded that Pastor Ng'ang'a issue an unreserved public apology following his controversial remarks on women's issues.
"KEWOPA calls on Pastor Ng'ang'a to issue an unreserved apology to survivors of sexual violence and the women of Kenya. We also urge all leaders, organizations, and communities to stand united in the fight against GBV by promoting awareness, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable," the statement added.
However, the lawmakers' group did not reveal what action would be taken against Pastor Ng'ang'a if he did not heed their demand.
