Explained: How Pastor Ezekiel is linked to Mackenzie
Both men are in custody as police probe claims of cultism in Kilifi County.
In 2020, Pastor Ezekiel Odero is said to have entered into a sale agreement with Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie to buy the latter’s television licence, Times Television Channel for Sh3 Million.
According to police, Ezekiel paid Sh500,000 and began operating the channel.
However, Ezekiel failed to clear the balance and as such the channel is still owned by Mackenzie.
Both men are in custody as police probe claims of cultism in Kilifi County.
Ezekiel was arrested on Thursday from his Mavueni premises and is expected in court on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday said Ezekiel will face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers.
“It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers.”
“The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements.”
So far 109 bodies have been recovered from Shakahola forest as exhumation continues.
Dozens more bodies are believed to be buried in shallow graves therein.
Some 34 people have been rescued from starvation.
Mackenzie, who is in police custody, is being investigated for influencing his followers to starve to death in order to meet their maker.
Police also suspect that some of the victims did not starve to death and may have been killed and then buried on the property.
He has denied wrongdoing, but has been denied bail. He insists that he shut down his church in 2019.