Pastor Ezekiel Odero released

By Peter Ochieng

Pastor Ezekiel Odera has been released.

Shanzu Court senior principal magistrate Joe Omido on Thursday set the televangelist free on a Sh3 million bond, with an alternative of Sh1.5 million cash bail.

The prosecution wanted the court to order the holding of Pastor Ezekiel for 30 more days to leave room for further investigations.

However, the magistrate in his ruling said the State did not provide sufficient evidence for extension of custodial days.

Ezekiel Odero, the leader of New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County was arrested last week, over allegations of aiding mass murder in his Church.

The State also sought to link him to self proclaimed Pastor Paul Mackenzie, of the Good News International (GNI) Church in Shakahola, Kilifi County.

Mackenzie is being held by police over reports of brainwashing his followers into a 'fast to death to meet Jesus.'

Over 100 people died and their bodies buried in shallow graves, in Shakahola forest, as a result of the fast.

After Odero's release, his followers broke into song and dance.

"Si uchawi, ni maombi," they chanted.

This translates to, "It is not witchcraft, it is prayers."

The televangelist had spent seven in custody.