Investigation: Pastor Ezekiel’s Church Handkerchiefs and ‘Holy Water’ Seized for Testing
The government laboratory has received samples of “holy water” and handkerchiefs from the controversial Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s church in Mavueni, Kilifi County.
During last week’s raid, detectives seized a variety of items, including communication devices, from the New Life Prayer Centre and Church, including the above.
The pastor told the Mombasa High Court on Monday, May 29 through his attorneys Jared Magolo, Danstan Omani, Cliff Ombeta, and Shadrack Wamboi that detectives raided his church with a search warrant.
Mr. Omani told Justice Olga Sewe, “The detectives took the living water and the handkerchief for laboratory testing.”
Attorneys informed the court that the search warrant was issued by a magistrate’s court in Mombasa.
According to reports, the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) raided the church and seized computer hard drives and other communication devices.
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The raid occurred after the Registrar of Societies issued a notice to deregister the church for failing to file tax returns.
Mr. Odero, also known as Pastor Ezekiel, told Justice Sewe on Monday, May 29 that he had already instructed his attorneys to file petitions challenging the society’s notice to de-register his church.
Mr. Omani stated, “The pastor has instructed us to deal with the Registrar of Societies in another forum.”
The televangelist has also been unable to reach an agreement with the State regarding the status of his petition against the government regarding the suspension of his World Evangelism television channel’s frequency.
Mr. Magolo and Mr. Wamboi asked the court to close the petition. And requested that the State guarantee that the police will no longer interfere with church activities.
“Therefore, we are largely in agreement that no interference with the church will occur. We can consider this matter resolved by agreement,” Mr. Magolo stated.
Mr. Wamboi stated that extensive discussions with the State had resolved the majority of the petition’s concerns.
However, Mr. Emmanuel Makuto and Ms. Maureen Anyumba. Representing the attorney-general (AG) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Agreed that the church was not closed but urged the court not to issue an order restricting State access to the church.
“Investigations are ongoing, and depending on the outcome, the state may be required to take action. The issuance of such orders will impede enforcement. Mr. Makuto explained that we did not agree with this portion of the petitioner’s request.
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However, the attorney stated that any further action, if required by the investigation. Will be taken in accordance with the law and that the pastor will have the right to return to court for any relief.
Mrs. Anyumba noted that Pastor Odero and the ODPP had agreed to withdraw the petition. But that no conditions were attached.
The attorney suggested that the parties return to the drawing board, reach an agreement, and record an unqualified consent.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) stated that Pastor Odero’s case did not interest it.
“We have no legal interest in the matter and had no intention of becoming involved. We were just listed, but we have no interest,” said Maronda Ongeri, an attorney for the EACC.
Judge Sewe stated that the court could not grant partial relief. And ordered the State to report on the investigation’s progress within a month. The issue will come up on July 13.
Investigation: Pastor Ezekiel’s Church Handkerchiefs and ‘Holy Water’ Seized for Testing
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