Televangelist Ezekiel Odero arrested amid probe into Kilifi cult

His arrest comes just a day after he was questioned about alleged links to Paul Mackenzie, the leader of a starvation cult that has lead to the deaths of at least 98 people in Kenya, as well as alleged congregant indoctrination.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyacha confirmed the preacher's arrest on Thursday morning, saying he was apprehended by joint security teams in Coast.

"This morning we have arrested Pastor Ezekiel Odero of New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni on allegation of the deaths that have been occurring at his premises and reported to various morgues or institutions," Onyanja told the media. 

According to Onyancha, his arrest came amid allegations of deaths that have been occurring at his premises and reported to various morgues or institutions in the region. 

Pastor Ezekiel's church has also been closed down, according to Onyancha, while an investigation is underway.

"We have also taken action and closed down the prayer centre moving forward, we are telling the public that the prayer centre has been closed down," She added. 

Citizen.Digital understands that the preacher is currently at the regional police headquarters in Mombasa where he is being interrogated. 

A contingent of DCI officers questioned the management of the Mortuary, which is located near Pastor Ezekiel's church, on Wednesday.

While inspecting the exhumation operation at Shakahola on Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that the National Police Service (NPS) is looking into flamboyant preachers whose teachings appear to be against the law.

“Any faith that kills people or engages in criminal activities in the name of religion must be stopped, and this is the time to stop these charlatans," said the CS.

This also comes as Nyeri Archdiocese Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria on Wednesday called for the financial audit of church leaders in a bid to eliminate cultic worship in the society.

“It is important that we audit the wealth of all religious leaders; all of us including myself should be able to declare what I have in my account,” he said.