Pastor Ezekiel’s TV Channel Battle Goes to Communications Tribunal
Pastor Ezekiel Odero has appealed to the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal to restart his World Evangelism television station.
The televangelist has escalated his conflict with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to the tribunal, according to new documents filed after the High Court in Mombasa ruled against his bid to restore the channel’s frequency.
The pastor is dissatisfied with the authority’s CEO Ezra Chiloba’s decision to suspend World Evangelism TV’s broadcast license and wants the decision reversed.
Pastor Ezekiel, who preaches at the New Life and Prayer Centre and Church, stated that Mr. Chiloba committed an error when, after sending the letter outlining various allegations against the television station, he did not allow him to be heard and refute the allegations.
Mr. Odero asserted that Mr. Chiloba committed a legal and factual error when he abruptly revoked World Evangelism TV’s broadcast license despite explicitly granting us a 45-day grace period to adhere to the stipulated regulations and correct any deficiencies within their establishment.
Moreover, he accuses the head of the authority of failing to reinstate the television’s broadcasting license despite its letter demonstrating compliance with the rules and regulations.
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Pastor Odero considers the current suspension to be unjust and unjustifiable. As he was not allowed to exercise his right to a defense because due process was not followed.
He stated, “This unwarranted suspension is a clear manifestation of unfairness, a draconian measure, and a flagrant violation of my right to fair administrative action and a fair hearing.”
Pastor Odero states in an affidavit that he uses the television station to spread the word of God. To make the world a better place.
He lamented that the CA had made numerous allegations against the television station. But a reasonable course of action would have allowed him to present a robust defense against the allegations.
“It is reasonable to assume that the World Evangelism TV station continues to operate without obstruction. “However, it is shocking to learn that the station has been shut down,” he said.
According to him, his ministry has always operated the television station to the required standards. And filed the necessary paperwork with the CA.
“The authority’s decision to abruptly close the television station, without prior notice or the right to a fair hearing, is a glaring example of discrimination and extreme unfairness,” he said via Musyoki Mogaka and Co Advocates.
He also noted that his television station is solely devoted to the propagation of the gospel. Embodying a mission of promoting goodwill and spiritual direction.
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“Therefore, the contention arises that the station’s closure lacks justifiable grounds, as it fails to demonstrate any tangible adverse effects on any affected parties. In light of the station’s inherent benevolence, reopening it becomes an imperative,” he said.
The preacher requests that the tribunal reverse or modify the decision and letter ordering the suspension of the broadcasting license.
He also requests an order mandating the restoration of the television frequency and/or the uninterrupted transmission of the television channel.
Police have frozen more than 35 bank accounts belonging to Pastor Odero and his church. As they investigate him for money laundering and fraud.
The televangelist is also under investigation in connection with the Shakahola cult tragedy. In which at least 200 individuals perished from starvation, strangulation, and suffocation.
Pastor Ezekiel’s TV Channel Battle Goes to Communications Tribunal
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