Pastor Odero’s Church Resumes: Court Halts Deregistration
Pastor Ezekiel Odero obtained a minor victory when the court halted the deregistration of his Newlife Prayer Centre Church, allowing him to temporarily recommence operations.
The outspoken clergyman had petitioned the High Court to prevent the Registrar of Societies from enforcing the directive.
In his ruling, Justice Jairus Ngaah halted the deregistration process so that the defendants could submit arguments regarding the gazette notice.
The pastor is expected to provide evidence regarding whether the Registrar of Societies complied with the law during the deregistration procedure.
Pastor, through his attorney Danstan Omari, petitioned the court to overturn the registrar’s directive declaring the church’s deregistration unlawful.
His legal team argued that the church had filed tax returns promptly.
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“The gazette notice issued by (Registrar of Societies) purported that the cancellation of the applicant’s church was effected on May 19, 2023, even though on May 25, 2023, the applicants learned via the media in a letter dated April 27, 2023, requiring the Applicants to show cause within 21 days, why his church’s registration should not be canceled for failure to file its annual returns,” the statement stated in part.
“In an obvious scheme to frustrate and obstruct the Applicants’ church operations, the Applicants learned of the notice to show cause through the media eight days after the 21-day notice had expired.”
Friday, the state deregistered the church in question as part of a crackdown on religious institutions.
The helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church, and Goodnews International Ministries were also deregistered.
In April, the pastor was detained and arraigned in court on charges of conspiracy to commit crime and money laundering, although he was not formally charged.
Pastor Ezekiel was released on bail on May 12 after refuting all charges against him and has maintained his innocence since then.
Pastor Odero’s Church Resumes: Court Halts Deregistration