Controversial Televangelist Ezekiel Odero Arrested and Faces Charges Linked to Alleged Mass Killing of Followers

Renowned televagelist Ezekiel Odero has been arrested and will face charges linked to the alleged mass killing of his followers, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. The preacher was arrested by police in the Coast region and his mega-church in Mavueni, Kilifi County was closed down. At least 100 people who were found at the televangelist's premises are expected to help police with their investigation.

Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha, who briefed the press following the arrest, said that the pastor was being questioned by detectives at the Coast Police Headquarters in Mombasa. She added that the arrest was connected to the deaths that have been occurring at the pastor's premises and reported in various morgues or institutions. Ms Onyancha also said that the prayer centre has been closed down and whoever was in there cleared out.

The arrest of Odero comes in the wake of mass deaths on an expansive piece of land allegedly owned by cult leader Paul Mackenzie, whose church is based in Shakahola village, Kilifi. Kenya's policing authorities have come under tough criticism for alleged negligence over cult activities that have so far claimed more than 90 lives in Shakahola village.

MPs have demanded that Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Amin Mohamed, and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Philip Kameru explain to Kenyans how the crimes, believed to have gone on for quite some time, went undetected for long.

The arrest of Odero has sent shockwaves through the country, as he is a well-known televangelist with a large following. His arrest is a sign that the government is taking the issue of cult activities seriously and is willing to take action against those responsible for the deaths of innocent people. The closure of his mega-church is also likely to have an impact on the religious landscape in the country, as many people will be forced to find new places to worship.

The arrest of Odero is just the latest in a series of high-profile arrests of religious leaders in Kenya. In 2019, controversial pastor James Maina Ng'ang'a was arrested and charged with causing the death of a woman in a car crash. In 2020, Archbishop Anthony Muheria was arrested and charged with fraud over the sale of church property. These arrests have raised questions about the role of religious leaders in society and their accountability to the law.

The issue of cult activities in Kenya is a complex one, as it involves issues of religion, power, and politics. Many cult leaders have been able to operate with impunity for years, using their religious influence to gain followers and evade the law. The government's crackdown on these activities is a step in the right direction, but it will require sustained effort and resources to ensure that the problem is eliminated.

In conclusion, the arrest of Ezekiel Odero is a significant development in the government's efforts to tackle the issue of cult activities in Kenya. It sends a strong message that no one is above the law, no matter how influential or well-connected they may be.

The closure of his mega-church is likely to have an impact on the religious landscape in the country, and it remains to be seen how his followers will react to the news. The government's crackdown on cult activities is a positive step, but it will require sustained effort and resources to ensure that the problem is eliminated once and for all.