Mamlaka Hill Chapel founder Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a, who earned a gross monthly salary of KES 1.2 million, is fighting to regain his position as Bishop after his dismissal, with a court battle now drawing in Church members concerned about the congregation’s leadership and finances.
Ng’ang’a is seeking reinstatement and more than KES 21 million in salary-related claims and accrued leave payments, accusing Church officials of unlawfully suspending him, conducting a flawed disciplinary process and revoking his ordination.
The dispute has prompted Prof Onesmus Muroki Thuo and Winnie Maru, representing 17 Church members and congregants, to move to the Employment and Labour Relations Court seeking to join the proceedings.
They argue that the case extends beyond an employment dispute because the outcome could determine who controls the Church, how its leadership is appointed and whether members’ constitutional rights have been respected.
“The Court is being asked to interpret and apply the members’ constitution, and to pronounce on the members’ rights, without hearing the members,” they state in their application.
The two members want to participate in the hearing of Ng’ang’a’s petition and his application for interim orders, arguing that the existing parties do not adequately represent the interests of ordinary congregants.
They have also warned that any compensation awarded to the former Bishop could be paid from Church funds raised through members’ tithes, offerings and contributions.
Ng’ang’a says he founded Mamlaka Hill Chapel in August 2005, signed an employment contract as senior pastor in January 2011 and was ordained Bishop in November 2019.
He was suspended on March 27, 2026, before receiving a notice to show cause over alleged gross misconduct in June. He claims he was denied adequate time to prepare for his disciplinary hearing and that no complainants or witnesses testified in his presence.
He was dismissed on June 25, with church officials allegedly announcing his removal as bishop and revoking his ordination. His internal appeal was subsequently rejected.
Through his lawyers, Ng’ang’a is seeking KES 14.8 million in compensation, equivalent to 12 months’ salary, and KES 6.2 million for accrued annual leave, alongside other damages, interest and costs.
The congregants have cited Church constitutional provisions requiring a secret ballot supported by at least 75 per cent of members present to remove a pastor, arguing that the court’s findings could affect the legitimacy of the church’s leadership.
Church officials maintain that the Elders’ Court was appointed and ratified by the congregation.
The court is yet to determine the members’ application or Ng’ang’a’s challenge to his dismissal.
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