Pastor Ezekiel’s Church Deregistered by Government
The registration of Newlife Prayer Centre and Church, which was associated with Pastor Ezekiel Odero, recently under scrutiny for involvement in money laundering and cult-related activities, has been revoked by the Registrar of Societies.
Pastor Ezekiel’s center located in Kilifi is one of five churches whose registrations have been canceled as part of an effort to tighten control over religious organizations.
Additional churches that have been removed from the registry comprise Helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church, and Goodnews International Ministries.
The Christ Church’s helicopter is managed by Thomas Wahome, who has recently been alleged to have taken over land near Nairobi Dam. Kings Outreach Church separated from the group of churches affiliated with Prophet David Owuor.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the controversial Shakahola cult, possesses ownership of Goodnews International Ministries. Within the premises of his church, more than 450 bodies have been unearthed.
“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.
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Kenyans have raised concerns about the rapid increase of fraudulent religious institutions capitalizing on the vulnerability of the less fortunate to generate substantial profits.
Theophilus Church possesses establishments in both Githurai and Njatha-Ini, overseen by Bishop John Githiri and Reverend Rachael wa Kuria.
On April 27th, Pastor Ezekiel was taken into custody and brought before a court due to allegations involving conspiracy to engage in illegal activities and money laundering; however, formal charges were not brought against him.
He was granted bail on May 12th. Pastor Ezekiel refuted all the allegations made against him and consistently asserted his innocence.
In July, Ezekiel initiated a lawsuit against the government to pursue restitution for the physical, monetary, reputational, and emotional harm incurred during the investigation.
In the plea submitted on Thursday, July 20th, to Justice Olga Sewe, Pastor Ezekiel named several individuals and entities as respondents. These include the Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, CEO Ezra Chiloba of the Communications Authority of Kenya, Ministry of Interior, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Pastor Ezekiel’s Church Deregistered by Government