Kenya: Ai-Generated Image Used to Falsely Show Demolition of Prominent Kenyan Pastor's Church

26 January 2026
Africa Check (Johannesburg)
By Dancan Bwire

AI-generated image used to falsely show demolition of prominent Kenyan pastor's church

IN SHORT: An image circulating online appears to show the church of Kenyan pastor James Ng'ang'a being demolished over an alleged land dispute. However, the image was generated using artificial intelligence tools.

An image is circulating online with the claim that it shows the demolition of Neno Evangelism Centre, a church in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

The church belongs to popular Kenyan pastor James Ng'ang'a.

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The image shows an excavator tearing into the church's corrugated iron walls as passersby look on.

"The Neno Evangelism Centre in Nairobi has been demolished, bringing an abrupt end to a long-running and highly publicized land dispute that had pitted the church against government agencies," reads part of its caption.

"Early in the morning, heavy machinery moved in and brought down the iconic structure located along Uhuru Highway, as security officers sealed off the area," the caption adds.

The claim follows local media reports that Kenya Railways Corporation, a state-owned entity, plans to reclaim prime land in Nairobi for the development of a railway station and a spur line ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

News reports indicate that demolitions could affect churches and commercial properties in targeted areas in Kenya, including Neno Evangelism Centre.

But does the image show the church being demolished? We checked.

AI-generated image

We closely examined the image and found several clues suggesting it might have been generated with artificial intelligence (AI) tools. For instance, the image is blurred, and the part being demolished appears to be crumbling, like concrete or mud, even though it is made of iron sheets.

Additionally, some of the bystanders' heads appear distorted. Many AI tools still struggle to accurately recreate human faces, limbs or entire bodies.

We also had difficulty reading the name or brand on the excavator's arm, as the text appeared to be fabricated.

On 20 January 2026, the pastor denied claims that his church had been demolished.

For more tips on how to spot AI-generated images and videos, see Africa Check's guide here.

Read the original story, with links and other resources.
Africa Check is a non-partisan organisation which promotes accuracy in public debate and in the media. Twitter @AfricaCheck and www.africacheck.org

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