Mamlaka Hill Chapel founder Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a is fighting to regain his position as bishop after church officials dismissed him and allegedly revoked his ordination. Ng’ang’a, whose gross monthly salary stood at KSh1,236,147 according to his court papers, is seeking reinstatement and more than KSh21 million in compensation and accrued leave payments.
In a petition before the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, he accuses Jonathan Njoroge, Rev. Richard Maulo Munala, James Chege and Geoffrey Kibathi Mbugua of conducting an unlawful disciplinary process. He alleges that the four officials, acting as the church’s Elders’ Court, had no authority to suspend him, dismiss him or install Munala as acting bishop.
Ng’ang’a says he founded the church in August 2005, signed an employment contract as senior pastor in January 2011 and was ordained bishop in November 2019.
His dispute with the church leadership escalated after his suspension on March 27, 2026. He was subsequently issued with a notice to show cause on June 11 over allegations of gross misconduct. The bishop says he requested details of the complaints, supporting evidence and an explanation of the officials’ authority to discipline him.
He alleges that he was required to submit his response by June 22 and appear for a disciplinary hearing the following day, leaving him insufficient time to prepare and secure witnesses. Among those he wanted to attend was a pastor based in the United States.
Ng’ang’a says he attended the June 23 meeting but requested a postponement because his concerns remained unresolved. He maintains that no complainant or witness was heard and no evidence was presented or examined in his presence. Two days later, he was summarily dismissed.
According to the petition, church officials then circulated a communication to staff, congregants and international pastors announcing his removal as bishop, revoking his ordination and withdrawing recognition of him as a reverend. He also alleges that he was removed from official staff WhatsApp groups.
Ng’ang’a lodged an internal appeal on June 27, but says the process lacked independence because the officials whose decision he was challenging appointed the appeal committee. The committee upheld his dismissal on July 17.
Through Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates, he is asking the court to declare the disciplinary process and dismissal unlawful and restore him to office without loss of salary, benefits, status or seniority. His monetary claims include KSh14,833,764 in compensation, equivalent to 12 months’ salary, and KSh6,207,039.60 for accrued annual leave. He also seeks damages for alleged constitutional violations, interest and costs.
Pending determination of the dispute, Ng’ang’a wants the court to halt implementation of his dismissal, protect his access to church premises and restrain Munala from acting as bishop. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
