Case file against Pastor Ezekiel Odero closed

By Peter Ochieng 

Pastor Ezekiel Odero closed Pastor Ezekiel Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni, Kilifi county can now rest easy.

The Pastor is in a celebratory mood, after the High Court in Shanzu, Mombasa on Tuesday ordered the close of an investigation file against him.

The televangelist was arrested in April, 2023, detained and charged for among others, money laundering and aiding mass deaths.

Odero was released on a Sh1.5 million bail, which the Court ordered on Tuesday that it be returned to him.

He was arrested days after the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola forest.

Dozens of people died after being led in 'a fast to death' by Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church.

Mackenzie remains in police custody, with Ezekiel Odero denying any links to him.

Pastor Ezekiel, through his lawyer Cliff Ombeta had on Monday applied to have the matter closed.

The Counsel cited a prolonged period without formal charges, and lack of progress reports.

After going through the merits of the case, Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Joe Omido discharged Pastor Ezekiel and ordered the case closed.

This is after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) indicated that police had completed their investigations and that through their recommendations, the file should be closed.