Ezekiel's wife: We have no links with 'Pastor' Mackenzie

By Peter Ochieng

New Life Prayer Centre Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County has no links with controversial Pastor, Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International (GNI) 'Church' in Shakahola.

This is according to Pastor Sarah Odero.

The New Life Church is headed by equally controversial Pastor Ezekiel Odero who was arrested on Thursday morning in Kilifi, before being taken to Mombasa for grilling by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.

Pastor Ezekiel is being investigated over claims of deaths in his church, besides possible links to Mackenzie.

However, his wife, Sarah Odero took to Facebook to deny any links to Mackenzie, who is being held by police for ordering his followers into a 'fast to death to meet Jesus.'

Over 90 people died in the fast.

"Bwana Yesu asifiwe wanangu wote wa kiroho. Ningependa kuwaeleza kwamba New Life Church Ministries Mavueni hatuna uhusiano wowote na Pastor Mackenzie," she said.

This translates to "Praise be to God all my spiritual children. I wish to inform you that the New Life Church Ministries in Mavueni is not connected in any way to Pastor Mackenzie)."

She continued, "We worship God who is in heaven alone. So many have been healed and millions have been helped here in Kenya and beyond. All who come here get assisted and return to their homes."

"If there is anyone with any complain feel free to say it. I bless you all in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ our Savior," she added.

Coast regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha confirmed the arrest of Pastor Ezekiel and announced shutting down of his church indefinitely.

Pastor Sarah urged their followers to pray for her husband.

She said a communication on when the church will be opened, will be given later.