Pastor Ezekiel defies police, holds church service

Televangelist Ezekiel Odero on Sunday reopened his church and allowed his followers to attend a service despite orders by the police for the premises to remain closed.

Ezekiel and fellow preacher Paul Mackenzie are currently under investigation for the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County, that has seen more than a hundred people die from starvation.

Ezekiel is on his own being investigated for murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalization, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, money laundering and being an accessory to crimes. His Church was closed on April 27 after police arrested him.  

However on May 3, Pastor Ezekiel’s Lawyer Danstan Omari claimed that the police had no evidence linking the Preacher to any criminal acts after combing the compound for seven hours. 

“We went to Pastor Ezekiel’s 300 acres complex with a team of investigators and journalists who were looking for evidence that would link him to any criminal acts. 

“They spent more than seven hours looking for graves that might have been dug within the compound but there was none,” Omari stated. 

Consequently, the high court ordered the police to reopen the church.

The decision to reopen the church comes just a day after Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga visited pastor Ezekiel. Sources quoted by Nation. Africa said Raila was shocked by the premises the preacher has built in Mavueni, Kilifi County, and all the facilities therein, including an international school, a farm and the New Life Prayer Centre and Church that hosts at least 50,000.

“He is shocked by what he saw and heard. They are parallel. A project of great possibilities and no sign of anything that he has been accused of, including any criminal activities,” said the source.