Evangelist Ezekiel Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church asserts that since his detention on April 27, 2023, he has lost Sh20 million.
Pastor Ezekiel, as he is more often known, claimed that the loss comprised lodging costs anticipated by the church (Sh2 million) and food wasted (Sh500,000) in a letter from his attorney Danstan Omari to Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome.
Ezekiel estimated that the church has lost Sh17 million in offerings and tithes in addition to harming its reputation.
“You are warned of legal action being taken against you in person and other higher-ranking police officers who have resolved to act with impunity and in abuse of your constitutional mandate,” he stated.
According to Omari, Koome will be prosecuted for continuing to violate his client’s basic rights and freedoms.
“Sadly, you continue to act in violation of our client’s right to worship, lead others in worship, his freedom to associate with others and to express himself,” he added.
He stated that in order to have Koome’s actions looked into, he brought up the issue with the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority.
Omari regretted that on May 7, 2023, police officers trespassed into his client’s church while others blocked the entrance, therefore preventing the faithful from assembling for their Sunday service.
He continued by saying that despite Ezekiel’s church being registered under the Societies Act, Koome’s actions are discriminatory because he has stopped it from operating.
He said that 2,500 workers had been barred from entering the compound so that the building could continue.
“As such, the school opening date for the Kilifi International School and the Kilifi University will more likely be affected,” Omari added.
