After the deaths of more than 100 cult members in Kenya, one of the country’s most influential preachers was released on bail on Thursday. Judge Joe Omido ordered Reverend Ezekiel Odero to be released on bail of 1.5 million Kenyan shillings (about $10,000).
Ordero must now report to the police every week and is not allowed to comment on his case. “Bail conditions will remain in effect until the suspect has been formally charged and the investigation is complete,” Judge Omido said. According to him, the public prosecutor had not provided enough information about the state of affairs of the investigation and could therefore no longer arrest the pastor.
The police had wanted to hold the preacher for another 30 days. Supporters of the preacher celebrated his release. They sang and danced in front of the courthouse, chanting “It’s all prayer, no witchcraft.”
Investigation of numerous criminal offenses
Odero is under investigation for numerous crimes, including murder, assisted suicide, kidnapping, radicalization, money laundering, child abuse, fraud and crimes against humanity. Prosecutors also accuse him of having connections to cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who is being held in custody for the body found in Shakahola Forest (pictured below).
In late April, more than 100 bodies were found in Shakahola Forest near the coastal town of Malindi. Mackenzie allegedly arranged for followers of his so-called International Church of the Good News to starve themselves in the woods in order to “meet Jesus”. Most of the victims are children.
Arrested for “mass murder” of followers
Prosecutors linked the bodies found in Shakahola Forest to the deaths of “several innocent and vulnerable supporters” of Odero. As a televangelist, he enchants large crowds. He was arrested last week in Malindi for alleged “mass murder” of followers of his sect and taken to the port city of Mombasa.
Odero’s so-called New Life Prayer Center is closed. More than 100 people “trapped” in the building have been brought to safety, Kenyan Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said.
Source: Krone
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