Sonko Sides With Pastor Ng’ang’a in Tax Row With Nairobi County

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has confirmed the validity of tax waivers granted to religious institutions during his administration, backing Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a in his ongoing dispute with the Nairobi City Council over land rates.

In a statement released today, Sonko validated claims made by the controversial Neno Evangelism founder, who recently declared in a viral video that he was exempt from certain land rates due to waivers granted during Sonko’s tenure.

“Yes, the Pastor is right and without fear of contradiction, I vividly remember and do hereby confirm that I lawfully through an executive order gave a waiver to all religious institutions and organizations including all mosques, madrasas, churches, and even homes for the ages and the poor and children’s homes,” Sonko stated.

The former governor emphasized that the waivers were issued in accordance with county by-laws and “are valid unless revoked by my successors.”

Pastor Ng’ang’a had earlier claimed possession of documentation proving the waiver, insisting that the current county administration had never formally communicated any revocation of these exemptions.

In his fiery address captured on video, Ng’ang’a challenged the city council, declaring he was prepared to pay any outstanding amounts if the waiver had been officially revoked.

“City Council of Nairobi, ten million is trash to me. Even five million is trash to me,” the pastor stated, comparing his situation to that of the Freemasons’ Hall, which was recently closed over Ksh19 million in unpaid land rates.

Sonko’s confirmation appears to strengthen Ng’ang’a’s position in the dispute, though it remains unclear whether the current county administration recognizes these waivers or if any formal revocation has been issued.

The former governor noted that his administration had extended similar waivers to small-scale traders, stating, “I extended waivers to mama mbogas whose licenses arrears were also waived.”

Pastor Ng’ang’a known for courting controversy, has recently made headlines for other incidents, including slapping a church member who had fallen asleep during a service.