Televangelist Ezekiel Odero Admits 15 People Died in His Church

Televangelist Ezekiel Odero has admitted that 15 people have died in his church since it started operations 18 months ago.

Addressing the media on Saturday, the preacher’s attorneys Cliff Ombeta, Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wamboi said the victims sought spiritual intervention while in critical condition.

"In the one year and a month that the institution has been in existence, around 15 people have died within Pastor Ezekiel's premises," said Omari.

Omari noted that Pastor Ezekiel’s New Life Prayer Centre and Church has a policy where critically ill people seeking prayers must be accompanied by their relatives.

"Once these people die, the persons accompanying them report the deaths to the nearest police station. The number of OBs recorded with the police will attest to this. No death has occurred with the police not involved,” the lawyer added.

The lawyers spoke to journalists outside Port police station in Mombasa County where Pastor Ezekiel is being held following his arrest in relation to the deaths of his followers.

On Friday, Shanzu Chief Magistrate Joe Omido ordered that he be detained until Tuesday when the court will deliver a ruling on the police application to detain him for 30 days to allow the conclusion of investigations.

Ezekiel is being investigated for several offenses including fraud, money laundering, murder, aiding suicide, radicalization, crimes against humanity, and child cruelty.

Detectives handling the case say credible intelligence revealed that some of the deceased individuals who died at Pastor Ezekiel’s church in Mavueni, Kilifi County may have been buried at the Shakahola land where the bodies of 109 people have been exhumed.

The 800-acre Shakahola land is believed to be owned by Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is accused of manipulating his church members to fast to death in order to meet Jesus.

Pastor Mackenzie, who leads Good News International Church, is also in police custody awaiting prosecution.