Controversial preacher Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre has banned the use of Sheng in his church, describing the slang as demonic.
During a sermon, Pastor Ng’ang’a urged Christians to abandon Sheng after salvation, linking it to criminal behavior. “Ukishaa okoka iyo Kiswahili cha wakora wakora cha utado manze, (Once you get saved, you refrain from that Kiswahili associated with thugs) those are demons,” said the pastor
He encouraged his congregants to use a language that is universally understood rather than one he associated with negative influences.
“Utaongea language ambayo watu wataelewa sio ya wakora peke yao.(You will speak in a language that everyone understands, not that one for thugs),”
The pastor included avoiding Sheng as part of the broader changes Christians should embrace after being born again. He also advised those seeking wealth to change their character, emphasizing virtues like avoiding greed and unnecessary struggles.
“Wale mmeokoka badilisha character, wale mnataka kua matajiri badilisha character, toka kwa ulafi, toka kwa kuhangaika (If you’re born again, change your character, if you want to be rich, change character, don’t be greedy…”
