Why Yesu wa Tongaren was released

Bungoma Chief Magistrate Tom Orlando has ordered the release of Eliud Wekesa alias Yesu wa Tongaren from police custody.

This is after the Director of Public Prosecutions said the findings of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) did not raise suspicion of the self-proclaimed savior.

As a result, the prosecution requested that Principal Magistrate Tom Olando release him and dismiss the case. Prof. George Wajackoyah, a 2022 presidential candidate, represented the New Jerusalem Church leader before the Bungoma Law Courts.

At the hearing, an officer from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) notified the Court that the State had decided to close Yesu wa Tongaren’s case. Yesu wa Tongaren briefly expressed his displeasure with his detention and arraignment, stating that he cooperated fully with the investigators.

“Tulienda na maafisa wa polisi kwa boma wafanye uchunguzi, na bahati nzuri ilikuwa siku ya Jumamosi ambaye huwa ni siku ya Sabato. Polisi walihesabu sadaka wakapata ni shillingi 225 na nyanya kidogo na vitunguu,” Yesu wa Tongaren stated.

The controversial preacher was also being investigated for alleged radicalization, money laundering, and obtaining proceeds of crime.

Authorities also looked into whether he taught radical views to his followers, some of whom were minors.

Yesu wa Tongaren was arrested on May 10, 2023, and has been in police detention ever since.