By Kamadi Amata
Followers of Pastor Pius Muiru gathered at the Maximum Miracle Center on Wednesday morning to meet Pastor Ezekiel Odero, who is currently facing controversy.
The church was filled to capacity, with some faithful resorting to listening to the preaching outside the church and along the streets of Nairobi. Followers enthusiastically shouted, “Kwanzia leo nimepona na nimeokoka,” echoing the words of Ezekiel as instructed by him.
The presence of the followers caused congestion, disrupting traffic flow around the Odeon stage and adjacent streets. Ezekiel, after his release, visited Muiru’s church for the first time, attracting the combined attendance of both his own followers and Muiru’s congregation, eager to hear his preaching.
As part of his release conditions, Ezekiel is required to report to a police station once a week or as directed by the State. Furthermore, he has been instructed not to discuss the Shakahola issue. The preacher remains under investigation regarding the alleged indoctrination of his followers.
Ezekiel is currently out on a Sh3 million bond, with a surety of the same amount or an alternative option of Sh1.5 million cash bail. It has been alleged that Pastor Ezekiel is associated with controversial Malindi-based preacher Paul Mackenzie, whose 800-acre farm has become the site of numerous shallow mass graves holding over 200 bodies. However, Ezekiel has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The New Life Prayer Centre and Church was registered on September 11, 2012, with registration number 3877. The church is located on plot no. 916, Shanzu, while the postal address is P.O. Box 685-80109, Mtwapa.