'Pastor Ezekiel Odero is still under probe': ODPP dismisses reports on terminating his case

The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) now says that televangelist Ezekiel Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church, has not been freed and neither has his case been thrown out by the court.

In a statement to newsrooms on Thursday, the ODPP clarified that a review of Odero's inquiry files is ongoing and no case against him has been terminated.

The ODPP says that it had initially sought an extension of custody for Odero to allow for investigations but after reviewing the inquiry files the agency concluded that the investigation was at an advanced stage and there was no need for Odero to make court and police station appearances.

"At the expiry of the seven days, the DPP sought an extension of custodial orders for a further 30 days to enable the police complete investigations. The court however admitted Odero to a bond of Ksh.1.5 million with conditions that he does not interfere with witnesses and report to the investigators on a weekly basis," said the ODPP.

"Upon receipt of the inquiry files, the ODPP was satisfied that the court orders facilitating investigations had already served their purpose and it was needless for Odero to keep attending court or the police station."

The ODPP added that only Odero's custodial file was thrown out by the Shanzu Magistrates Court on Thursday.

"Consequently when the matter came up for mention today, the court closed the custodial file. The ODPP shall make a decision as regards to the results of the investigation as soon as the review thereof is complete," said the ODPP.

"The ODPP undertakes to continue exercising its mandate in accordance with the constitution and the law. To this end, the office shall only make the decision to charge where the evidential and public interest thresholds have been met."