Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that televangelist Ezekiel Odero is facing charges of mass killing of his followers.
Kindiki said on Twitter that the pastor of New Life Prayer Centre/Church, who was arrested earlier on Thursday in Kilifi, is currently being processed for charges.
“It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, 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 the mass killing of his followers,” Kindiki said.
“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.”
Ezekiel was arrested Thursday morning in connection with “allegations of deaths at his premises and reported in morgues,” according to Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha.
His arrest comes amid speculation about his relationship with Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the deadly cult in Shakahola.
The two preachers who have been termed as controversial and questionable, both of whose ‘ministry’ operations are in the county of Kilifi.
The reports that Mackenzie sold his church to Ezekiel Odero have raised questions about whether the horror in Shakhola has any bearing on the operations of Ezekiel’s New Life Prayer Centre and Church.
