Pastor Ezekiel Odero Fights Government Church Deregistration
Pastor Ezekiel Odero has taken his case to the High Court to reverse the Registrar of Societies’ ruling that led to the cancellation of the registration of his New Life International Church.
Ezekiel Odero has requested, through his legal representatives, that the High Court instruct the Attorney General to resolve the issue within 90 days starting today.
In a statement to the press on Friday, August 18th, right after applying, attorney Danstan Omari disclosed that the preacher from Kilifi is requesting the government to perform a new registration of the church and to avoid any involvement in its activities.
The lawyers also requested assurance from the Registrar of Societies and the Inspector General of Police regarding the security of the members of the New Life International Church.
“It’s suspicious. It’s a clear manifestation against Pastor Ezekiel. Notices to close have never been served. No notice to show cause has been issued as provided by the rules as required by the constitution,” Omari claimed.
Omari promised Odro’s supporters that he would actively work to secure their constitutional rights to practice their religion and gather freely.
“This is a bid to frustrate his ministry. We are acting in speed seeking that the AG considers us,” lawyer Martina Swiga emphasized.
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Highlighting what they referred to as clear wrongdoing, the attorneys alleged that the Gazette Notice was released on Friday, August 18th, even though the Church was supposedly deregistered in May 2023.
They also alleged that the State was activated due to a lawsuit filed by Pastor Ezekiel, who is seeking millions of shillings in compensation after being arrested and held in custody.
On April 27, Pastor Ezekiel was taken into custody. He was later brought before a court where he faced allegations of money laundering and similar offenses. However, he was granted release on May 12 after posting a bail of Ksh1.5 million, even though formal charges were not brought against him.
Apart from Odero’s religious establishment, the Registrar of Societies also revoked the registration of four additional churches. These include the Helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church, and Good News International Ministries.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12 (1) of the Societies Act, the Registrar of Societies cancels the registration of the societies specified in the first column of the Schedule, with effect from the respective dates specified in the third column of the Schedule,” Registrar of Societies Maria Nyariki.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero Fights Government Church Deregistration