Mamlaka Hill Chapel founder Muhia sues over dismissal, demands Sh21 million compensation
Bishop seeks reinstatement, Sh14.8 million compensation and Sh6.2 million in leave arrears, accusing four church officials of violating his right to a fair hearing
Mamlaka Hill Chapel founder and bishop Charles Muhia Ng’ang’a has sued the church over his dismissal, seeking reinstatement, more than Sh21 million in compensation and accrued leave benefits.
Ng’ang’a has filed a petition at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi, challenging his summary dismissal and accusing four church officials of conducting an unlawful disciplinary process that allegedly violated his employment and constitutional rights.
The respondents are Jonathan Njoroge, Rev. Richard Maulo Munala, James Chege and Geoffrey Kibathi Mbugua, whom Ng’ang’a accuses of acting without proper authority in suspending him, removing him as bishop and appointing Munala as acting bishop.
In court filings through Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates, Ng’ang’a says he founded Mamlaka Hill Chapel in August 2005 before entering into an employment contract as senior pastor in January 2011.
He states that his gross monthly salary rose from Sh384,314 to Sh1,236,147 during his tenure. He was ordained bishop in November 2019.
The dispute escalated after his suspension on March 27, 2026, followed by his summary dismissal on June 25.
According to the petition, Ng’ang’a received a notice to show cause on June 11, accusing him of gross misconduct.
He says he sought particulars of the complaints, supporting evidence and clarification on the respondents’ authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
He was reportedly given until June 22 to respond and directed to attend a disciplinary hearing on June 23.
Ng’ang’a maintains that he requested additional time to prepare his defence and secure witnesses, including a pastor based in the United States. Although he attended the hearing, he alleges that the panel failed to adequately address his requests.
He further claims that no complainant or witness testified during the meeting and that no evidence was presented or examined in his presence.
Two days later, he received his dismissal letter.
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 challenging the officials’ authority to revoke his ordination, claiming he was subsequently removed from official staff WhatsApp groups.
He appealed internally on June 27 but questioned the independence of the committee appointed to review his case, alleging that its members were selected by the same officials who oversaw the initial disciplinary process.
The petition states that his appeal was dismissed on July 17.
Through his lawyers, Ng’ang’a argues that the process infringed his rights to fair labour practices, fair administrative action and human dignity.
He is seeking Sh14,833,764, equivalent to 12 months of his salary, as compensation for alleged unfair dismissal, alongside Sh6,207,039.60 in accrued annual leave.
His other prayers include additional damages for alleged constitutional violations, interest and legal costs.
In a separate application, the former church leader wants the court to suspend the implementation of his dismissal pending determination of the dispute.
He is also seeking orders safeguarding his access to church premises and duties, as well as restraining Munala from serving as bishop until the case is determined.
