Pastor Ezekiel Odero and members of his New Life Prayer Centre and Church attended a service on Sunday, defying a police order to close the premises amid his criminal investigation.
Pastor Ezekiel and fellow televangelist Paul Mackenzie are under investigation for the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County, that has seen more than a hundred people die from starvation, under Mackenzie’s instructions.
Mr Odero is being investigated for murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, money laundering and being an accessory to crimes.
He and his followers attended a service at the church in Mavueni, Kilifi County, defying an order by Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha.
The followers camped outside the church from as early as 5am but were blocked by police before Pastor Odero’s lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Danstan Omari intervened at about 7.30am.
Mr Omari argued that no court order was issued to close the premises and that Ms Onyancha only communicated the instruction verbally.
“The compound hosts different businesses so it was illegal to barricade the gate. We have asked police to let worshippers in. They had no option but to let them in,” the lawyer said.
Last week, Pastor Ezekiel claimed no written communication was or has been sent to him or the church explaining the reason why it was closed and worshipers barred from accessing premises.
He has also said it is discriminatory for the State to severely or jointly participate in his persecution because of the failed commercial dealing with Mackenzie.
