Televangelist Ezekiel Odero Arrested over Alleged Mass Killing of His Followers

Televangelist Ezekiel Ombok Odero of New Life Prayer Centre and Church was on Thursday arrested over the alleged deaths of his followers in Malindi, Kilifi County.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the preacher is being processed to face criminal charges related to the “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,” Kindiki said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyacha said Pastor Ezekiel was arrested in connection with deaths at his premises, which have been reported to various morgues or institutions in the region

"This morning we have arrested Pastor Ezekiel Odero of New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni on allegation of the deaths that have been occurring at his premises and reported to various morgues or institutions," Onyanja said. 

"We have also taken action and closed down the prayer centre moving forward, we are telling the public that the prayer centre has been closed down," she added. 

The preacher was taken to the coast regional police headquarters in Mombasa for further interrogation. 

The arrest of Pastor Ezekiel comes amidst the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola village, Kilifi county where 98 bodies have so far been exhumed.

At the centre of the Shakahola massacre is Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church, who is accused of manipulating his followers to fast to death in order to meet Jesus.