'Stop linking Pastor Ezekiel with crimes against humanity,' says Pastor Pius Muiru

Ezekiel, who is being investigated for the alleged involvement in the Shakahola mass killings in Kilifi, was on Tuesday denied bail by the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa.

Speaking outside the courts where he had joined Ezekiel's followers in demanding his release, Pastor Muiru said that Ezekiel's persecution is ill-motivated and someone is trying to tarnish his name.

"We are not opposed to any investigations, the only thing we are opposing is what we are calling tacit persecution and affliction whereby somebody is trying to connect pastor Ezekiel with crimes against humanity, abduction and fraud," he said.

He further expressed optimism that Pastor Ezekiel will be acquitted of all the charges he is facing in court and be allowed to return to ministry.

"There are so many religious authorities here we just came to be in solidarity with Pastor Ezekiel," he said.

"Whatever is happening with him is a common thing that everybody knows and you can sense that even in the country the mood is that people have been patient enough waiting to see how the ruling will be made."

Since he was apprehended, Ezekiel has defended his church, saying it is well organized. He has also disassociated himself from the controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International church.

“I would wish to strongly disassociate myself from one Mr. Paul Mackenzie as we do not have any close family or friendly ties,” read his affidavit filed earlier in court.

Ezekiel's case is set to be mentioned on May 4, 2023.