In summary
- The Sunday Service to the shock of many was filled by worshippers from all walks of life despite the criminal allegations leveled against the pastor
- Pastor Odero’s lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta stated that the police had no authority whatsoever to close down the church
Pastor Ezekiel Odero on Sunday defied police order and held a Sunday service at his New Life Prayer Center and Church.
The Sunday Service to the shock of many was filled by worshippers from all walks of life despite the criminal allegations leveled against the pastor.
The worshippers had camped at the gate as early as 5:30 am but had been locked out by the police.
Pastor Odero’s lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta arrived at 7:30 and intervened in the situation.
Omari stated that the police had no authority whatsoever to close down the church.
“There is no court order to close down the church. Police have no authority to bar people working here, people living here from entering the premises.
“I came here found police officers at the gate barring people from entering. I asked for the court order allowing them to shut the premises they also asked for a court order allowing me to open this place. I told them things don’t work like this,” said Omari.
Business losses
According to Omari, the compound hosts different businesses including chicken business and also a tone of construction.
“We will hold them accountable for all the losses that shall be incurred here. We have chicken being rared here, cows being bred and even construction going on. Who will take care of all this is if they shut down the premise?” He posed.
Coast Regional Commander on 27th of April ordered the church closed after the pastor was arrested over the huge number of deaths that occurred in his church.
Pastor Odero’s lawyers have in a previous media briefing admitted that 15 deaths occurred at the church and that all the deaths had been reported to the police.
Azimio Leader Raila Odinga also visited the pastor on Saturday.
