'Yesu wa Tongaren' detained as prosecution lines up charges, seeks mental assessment

Controversial Bungoma-based preacher Eliud Wekesa, popularly known as Yesu wa Tongaren, was on Thursday presented in court where the prosecution made several applications among them an order to detain him for seven days to complete investigations against him.

Wekesa was arraigned before Bungoma Principal Magistrate Tom Mark Olando a day after he presented himself to police after being summoned for questioning over alleged questionable religious teachings.

In court, the prosecution obtained a warrant to conduct a search on the controversial preacher’s premises. The prosecution told the court that Wekesa’s home is believed to be a crime scene that needs to be searched and relevant materials retrieved and preserved.

According to a supporting affidavit submitted by Investigating Officer Elijah Acharia, ‘Yesu Wa Tongaren’ is facing charges including radicalisation, money laundering, acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of crime and managing an unlawful society.

The self-proclaimed clergyman is also accused of writing or uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings, contrary to section 138 of the Penal Code.

Wekesa will spend the night at Bungoma Police Station pending a ruling on the prosecution’s application on Friday.