Police Raid on Televangelist Ezekiel’s Church Causes Ksh.20M Loss – Lawyer Omari
Attorney Danstan Omari has demanded that Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome explain the forcible closure of the New Life Prayer Centre on May 7, which he claimed in a letter cost the church Ksh.20 million.
According to Omari, police officers prevented worshippers from congregating in the church owned by Televangelist Ezekiel Odero, who is currently under investigation for the Shakahola massacre.
The letter to IG Koome states, “It is regrettable that on Sunday, May 7, 2023, your officers forcibly entered our client’s church while other officers barricaded the entrance leading to the church, effectively preventing worshippers and believers from attending their Sunday service.”
Even though the church is registered under the Societies Act, according to Mr. Omari, one of the attorneys representing the persecuted preacher, the police actions were an affront to the freedom of worship.
According to the letter, the Sunday losses include an estimated Kshs. 2 million loss of expected accommodation charges, an estimated Kshs.500,000 loss of food, a loss of offering and tithe, and an estimated Kshs. 17 million loss of the church’s image and reputation.
In addition, the attorney asserts that by barricading the roads leading to the church, the police have locked out approximately 2,500 construction workers who are currently working on projects within the compound.
Mr. Omari asserted that due to the lockout of workers, various project deadlines will be affected.
Omari stated, “As a result, the school opening date for the Kilifi International School and the Kilifi University will likely be impacted negatively, to the detriment of the children’s best interests.”
ALSO READ: Defiance in Faith: Pastor Ezekiel Odero and Followers Hold Church Service Despite Police Order
The attorney has warned that he will seek restitution in court for what he deems to be the IG’s officers’ ongoing flagrant constitutional violations.
The letter states, “Due to the aforementioned inconveniences and flagrant constitutional violations by officers acting on your orders, you are hereby warned that legal action will be taken against you and other higher-ranking police officers who have resolved to act with impunity and in violation of your constitutional mandate.”
In addition, Mr. Omari stated that he would contact the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA). To have the police IG investigated for the alleged abuse of office.
On Sunday, Pastor Ezekiel appeared to defy a verbal order issued by Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha. During his arrest by joining congregants at the expansive church in Mavueni, just days after securing his release from custody.
Sunday at 5 a.m., according to the Daily Nation. Police attempted to block worshippers from entering the 300-acre prayer center of the preacher.
Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta, attorneys for the televangelist. Stated that there was no court order prohibiting Ezekiel from holding the church service.
“Because the complex houses multiple businesses, it was illegal to barricade the gate. We have requested that the police admit worshippers. They had no choice but to let them in,” Omari told the Daily Nation.
Online videos depicted a packed church with worshippers performing their duties.
Police Raid on Televangelist Ezekiel’s Church Causes Ksh.20M Loss – Lawyer Omari
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