Shakahola cult probe: Pastor Ezekiel Odero to spend weekend behind bars

Controversial Pastor Ezekiel Odero will remain in custody until Tuesday next week before the court makes a decision on whether to remand him for 30 more days following an application by the police.

A Shanzu court on Friday made the ruling on Friday after the police had requested to be allowed to hold the New Life Prayer Centre and Church televangelist as they conclude their probe.

Court documents seen by Citizen Digital revealed that the police tied the controversial preacher to the bodies exhumed at the Shakahola land in Malindi, Kilifi County, adding that there are several followers of his ministry whom they believe have met their death in their quest for divine intervention.

They submitted that the release of Pastor Ezekiel before the conclusion of investigations might tamper with the witnesses in the case.

“Police have collected several burial permits that were issued to several individuals whose names and telephone numbers have been disclosed in these records,” read court papers.

“However, the investigators hold reasonable apprehension that the respondents may interfere with the individuals regarded as potential witnesses before getting to the bottom of the questions whether the dead bodies were indeed released to kin for interment or buried at Shakahola under suspicious circumstances.”

Pastor Ezekiel is being investigated over several offences including fraud, money laundering, murder, aiding suicide, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, and child cruelty.

Following his arrest on Thursday, over 100 people were evacuated from the controversial preacher’s church at Mavueni.