When Pastor Ezekiel Odero he held a religious meeting at Kasarani International Sports Complex, Nairobi, few months ago, many Kenyans were puzzled while others took to social media demanding to know who exactly Ezekiel was.
More than 60,000 people attended his Nairobi prayer rally that also attracted Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, the wife of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
To the country, filling the stadium by a non-political player was a shock. However, in Mavueni, Kilifi County – where his New Life Church sits on a 65-acre parcel – it is an ordinary occurrence. The pastor has a huge online following too.
Pastor Odero has always been a crowd-puller with thousands attending his church for prayers daily. People from all over East Africa seek his services.
To many of his followers, some of whom spend nights at the church, Pastor Odero’s prayers heal. However, he is quick to say that it is God who heals and that he is only a “vessel”.
He has garnered a lot of following with his followers believing that he is a true man of God as per a number of miracles that he has been doing.
Age and Place of Birth
Pastor Ezekiel is currently in his mid 40s. He was born in Homabay County and currently based in the coastal region of Kenya, Kilifi County.
Career Journey
The evangelist began his career journey in Kisumu as a fisherman. He later relocated to Mombasa as a mason, where he also studied.
He gained popularity during COVID 2019 when most people were locked in their homes following preachings from televangelism pastors. His mentor has been Pastor Pius Mwiru of Maximum Miracle Centre, Nairobi. In several occasions, Evangelist Ezekiel has been seen having a service together with pastor Pius.
He began as an instrumentalist in the Pastor David Owuor’s Repentance and Holiness ministry. He used to play piano and violin during church services. During one of his services, Pastor Ezekiel confessed that he was once a fornicator who indulged in a lot of sexual sins.
Just like pastor Owuor, Ezekiel is very strict about dressing in his church. He is furthermore strict about ladies visiting his offices since he believes that he do not want temptations which may take him back to his old ways.
He recently moved his church from Shanzu, Mombasa to Mavueni in Kilifi County due to the upward growth of the church membership. This is because he wanted a larger space to construct a big church and other amenities to accommodate his growing big numbers.
At his new church compound, he has built hotels and international schools and many other amenities.
As witnessed in his church, he sells ‘Holy water’ to people from various denominations and different walks of life. The water is believed to offer healing and protection.
He does a lot of fasting and he says that that is the reason for his slender body size.
Education
He is an alumnus of the Technical University of Mombasa, formerly known as Mombasa Polytechnic.
Marriage, Family and Children
His first love passed on several years ago leaving a son behind thought they were not legally married. He is currently married to Sarah despite resistance from some of his family members on grounds that she is uneducated.
The two ministers have been together for more than 13 years now and have children. They have been busy spreading the gospel across the globe, winning lost souls to Christ.
The main thing that disappointed some of his family members is the fact that Sarah was a class three dropout and therefore she couldn’t speak English.
“I looked at my wife and didn’t see English but a beautiful woman who can care for a ministry. English can’t take care of a ministry!” he said.
Despite all the challenges, Pastor Ezekiel saw a helper that he needed in Sarah.
The man of God added that he didn’t listen to his relatives’ opinions and went ahead to marry his soulmate.
“When I wanted to marry Pastor Sarah, some of my people told me ooh she didn’t go to school. she can’t speak English. what if you marry her and big people come what will they say? I looked at my wife and didn’t see English but a beautiful woman who can take care of a ministry. English can’t take care of a ministry!” he said.
Net Worth
Pastor Ezekiel is believed to be one of the richest pastors in Kenya. He plays low and has never mentioned anything to do with his net worth or wealth. He spends most of his money in the gospel by building the church.
This is evident in the big church that he is building at Mavueni in a massive compound.
Rumours have it that it will be that biggest church in Africa since it is set to host more than 20,000 people per church session. It is believed that the man of God plans to build schools, hotels and other amenities in the same compound.
Residential houses, resort
The church’s compound features a three-storey section that will act as an accommodation and resort for guests.
A white building with a red roof near the resort would serve the church’s officials. The compound is vast meaning parking is not a problem for visitors.
Other amenities under construction at the compound are a rehabilitation centre, a helipad and cottages.
New Life TV Kenya YouTube channel
Pastor Ezekiel runs the New Life YouTube channel which boasts over 449K subscribers.
On the platform, he has shared over 1600 videos with more than 72 million views.
He opened the channel on November 25, 2018. He shares different summons from his church and live prayer sessions.
Pastor Ezekiel’s flashy car
During his arrest, one thing was evident; the self-styled preacher is moneyed. He lives a flamboyant life.
He arrived at the police station for grilling, driving in a white Lexus LX570.
According to a car dealing company, autocheck.africa, a 2016 model of the car costs upwards of KSh 17 million.
The vehicle features an eight-cylinder (V8) 5,700cc petrol engine. It also has a 360-degree view camera system and climate concierge.
Pastor Ezekiel is building a helipad, restaurant and an international school on his expansive church grounds.
