Followers of Pastor Ezekiel Odero have protested at the New Life International Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County following his arrest Thursday morning over alleged indoctrination.
The members who demanded his release have threatened to storm the police station in Mombasa where pastor Odero is being held.
The televangelist is said to have ties with his Kilifi counterpart Paul Mackenzie who is linked to cultic activities following the discovery of 98 bodies on his 800-acre farm in Shakahola.
Briefing the media on Thursday, April 27, Coast Regional Commissioner Rhodah Onyancha said various deaths have been reported on Ezekiel’s premises and some recorded in morgues that may be linked to him.
His members however defended their leader claiming he had turned around the economic landscape of Mavueni and that arresting him would disrupt businesses.
Pastor Josphene Kulundu said that the arrest of their leader who was to travel to Dodoma, Tanzania for a mega crusade was untimely and that they feared for their lives too.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said Ezekiel would face criminal charges over the mass killing of his followers.
“It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers” he said in a statement.
Investigations are already underway to charge him even as his church remains closed.
Kindiki further said during his arrests police managed to rescue over 100 people who were holed up at the premises and would be required to record statements.
CS Kindiki has already suggested that the government is mulling over regulating religious activities in the country following the Shakahola tragedy.
The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements.
