Pastor Ezekiel Challenges State’s Closure of Church and TV Station
Pastor Ezekiel Odero, who is under investigation for multiple crimes, including genocide, has filed a lawsuit to compel the government to reopen his New Life Prayer Centre and Church and to restore frequency for the World Evangelism TV station.
The government, through the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK), had suspended the operations of the Mavueni, Kilifi County, television station, and church.
A few days after Pastor Ezekiel’s arrest and arraignment for alleged involvement in the Shakahola massacre that claimed over 110 lives, the church’s doors were locked and the television signal was cut off.
After petitioning the Mombasa High Court to reopen his church and restore its television frequency, he has now opened a new front with the State.
He argues, through his advocate Danstan Omari, that the church and the television station are his modern tools for spreading the gospel to the people.
“Although the allegations against Pastor Ezekiel are unfounded, scandalous, and false, there has been an increase in extrajudicial interference by the State, which currently threatens to freeze the church’s bank accounts in an attempt to stifle the church’s activities and operations,” said Mr. Omari.
If successful, these efforts, according to the attorney. Will violate Pastor Ezekiel’s and his congregation’s constitutional rights to freedom of religion and property.
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According to Pastor Ezekiel, the current threats to freeze the church’s bank accounts. Are part of the state’s unconstitutional strategy to stifle his ministry. As they are well aware that he is innocent of all the heinous charges against him.
“Unless this application and petition is heard on a priority basis and decided expeditiously, the State will continue to violate the applicant’s bill of rights and fundamental freedoms, including his right to dignity, equality, right to a fair hearing, and rights of an accused person,” he said.
He claimed that the state had concocted a malicious plot against him to sabotage his ministry, hence the need for court protection.
He stated that if the court does not intervene. The State will continue to issue unlawful directives with the intention of not only frustrating him. But also threatening the very existence of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church. And paralyzing operations and ongoing church ministry projects.
Among others, he has filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Justin Muturi. Inspector General of Police, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, CAK, and its Chief Officer Ezra Chiloba. And the Interior Ministry.
The petition lists as interested parties the Assets Recovery Agency. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and National Council of Churches of Kenya, among others.
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Pastor Ezekiel wants the court to prevent state agencies. From taking adverse actions against him, including freezing the eight bank accounts of the church at Cooperative and NCBA banks.
In the interim and pending the hearing and determination of this application. He requests that the court issue a conservatory order. Directing the State to refrain from interfering with the church’s religious activities. And prayer sessions to facilitate the ministry’s operation.
He also requests that the court issue temporary conservatory orders. Stating the CAK’s communications and temporarily suspending the operation of the World Evangelism Television television frequency.
Shortly after Pastor Ezekiel’s arrest, Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha issued the communication closing the church.
However, Pastor Ezekiel asserted that neither he nor the church received a written explanation. For why the church was closed and worshipers were denied access to the property.
“Despite knowing that the decision to suspend the TV frequency was unfavorable and would hinder our ongoing efforts to spread the gospel, neither we nor the church administration was given any prior notice or warning of this impending action,” said Ezekiel.
He contends that the ministry has always operated the television station. To the required standard and filed the necessary paperwork with the CAK.
“Therefore, the recent directive issued by the CAK is another attempt to frustrate me as a result of baseless accusations regarding my prior business dealings with Paul Mackenzie,” he continued.
He has denied accusations of money laundering and fraud.
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Pastor Ezekiel argues that the threat to freeze his and the church’s bank accounts. Poses a double threat to his property rights, freedom of worship. And freedom of association, as the church’s operations, including ongoing construction and development projects on the premises, will be paralyzed.
“I am reasonably apprehensive that the state will carry out the extrajudicial threats to continue closing the church property and to freeze the bank accounts, as the state has taken a malicious and outrageous approach to attempt to link me to Mackenzie, the main suspect in the so-called Shakahola massacre,” he stated.
Because of the failed business transaction with Mackenzie, he claims it is discriminatory for the state to actively persecute him or participate in his persecution.
Pastor Ezekiel has lamented the fact that he is not the only individual who has ever conducted business with Mackenzie.
“Fairness would therefore require that everyone who has ever conducted business with the aforementioned Mackenzie be victimized and persecuted as I have been,” he said.
Mackenzie and Ezekiel are both under investigation for aiding suicide. Murder, kidnapping, radicalization, genocide. Crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.
Pastor Ezekiel Challenges State’s Closure of Church and TV Station
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