Mamlaka Hill Chapel founder and bishop Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a has moved to court challenging his dismissal from the church, seeking reinstatement and more than KSh21 million in compensation and unpaid leave benefits.
Ng’ang’a has filed a petition at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, accusing four church officials of conducting an unlawful disciplinary process that allegedly violated his right to a fair hearing.
The respondents named in the case are Jonathan Njoroge, Rev. Richard Maulo Munala, James Chege and Geoffrey Kibathi Mbugua.
In court documents, Ng’ang’a states that he founded the church in August 2005 and entered into an employment contract as senior pastor in January 2011. He says his gross monthly salary rose from KSh384,314 to KSh1,236,147 during his tenure before he was ordained bishop in November 2019.
The dispute stems from his suspension on March 27, 2026, followed by his summary dismissal on June 25, 2026.
Ng’ang’a alleges that the four officials, acting as the church’s Elders’ Court, lacked the authority to suspend him or appoint Munala as acting bishop.
According to the petition, he received a notice to show cause on June 11, 2026, accusing him of gross misconduct. He says he subsequently requested details of the complaints, supporting evidence and clarification on the officials’ authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
He was reportedly required to respond by June 22 and attend a disciplinary hearing scheduled for June 23.
The petitioner maintains that he requested additional time to prepare his defence and arrange for witnesses, including a pastor based in the United States.
Although he attended the hearing, Ng’ang’a alleges that his requests were not adequately addressed and that no complainant or witness was heard during the proceedings. He further claims that no evidence was presented or examined in his presence.
He says he received his dismissal letter two days later.
A communication circulated on June 26 to church staff, congregants and international pastors allegedly announced his removal as bishop, revoked his ordination and withdrew the church’s recognition of him as a reverend.
Ng’ang’a is also challenging the officials’ authority to revoke his ordination, claiming that he was subsequently removed from the church’s official staff WhatsApp groups.
The former bishop appealed the dismissal internally on June 27, but questioned the independence of the committee appointed to review his case. He alleges that its members were selected by the same officials who oversaw the initial disciplinary proceedings.
The appeal was dismissed on July 17, according to the petition.
Through his lawyers, Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates, Ng’ang’a argues that the disciplinary process violated his rights to fair labour practices, fair administrative action and human dignity.
He is seeking KSh14,833,764, equivalent to 12 months of his salary, as compensation for alleged unfair dismissal. He is also claiming KSh6,207,039.60 in accrued annual leave benefits.
His other prayers include additional damages for alleged constitutional violations, interest and legal costs.
In a separate application, Ng’ang’a is asking the court to suspend the implementation of his dismissal, preserve his access to church premises and duties, and restrain Munala from serving as bishop pending the determination of the dispute.
The court will determine the issues raised in the petition and the reliefs sought by the former church leader.
