Televangelist James Ng’ang’a charged after he failed to stop prosecution at the high court

Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a in the dock at a Milimani court. [George Njunge/Standard]

Televangelist James Ng’ang’a was yesterday charged with fraudulently obtaining Sh3.6 million from Wickson Njoroge Mwathi.

Milimani Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku heard that Ng’ang’a pretended he could lease a house in Karen to Mr Mwathi.

Ms Mutuku released Ng'ang'a on a cash bail of Sh500,000 or Sh1 million bond with a surety of a similar amount.

The matter will be mentioned on April 24 and proceed to hearing on May 16.

Ng’ang’a, through lawyers Charles Ongoto and Cliff Oduk, had earlier moved to the High Court seeking to stop his prosecution.

They told Justice James Makau that the dispute was a civil matter and that they were seeking orders to stop their client’s arraignment in court pending the hearing and determination of the petition.

“The dispute between the petitioner and respondent involving two properties is about a breach of lease agreement,” said Mr Oduk, adding that Ng’ang’a had been summoned by police before being released on Sh100,000 cash bail.

In response, Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel Fredrick Ashimoshi said he had spoken to the head of prosecution at the Milimani Law Courts who confirmed that the charge sheet on obtaining money by false pretenses had been drafted.

“The suspect is enjoying his constitutional rights and freedom because he was released on bond by police,” said Mr Ashimoshi.

Justice Makau ruled that Ng'ang'a had not demonstrated that the prosecution had violated his rights.