The Registrar of Societies has revoked the registration of Newlife Prayer Centre and Church, a religious institution associated with Pastor Ezekiel Odero, who has recently been under scrutiny for alleged involvement in money laundering and cult activities. This move is part of a broader crackdown on religious organizations deemed to be operating outside legal and ethical boundaries.
The Kilifi-based Newlife Prayer Centre and Church is one of six establishments whose registrations have been canceled. The other affected churches include Helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church, and Goodnews International Ministries.
Helicopter of Christ Church, led by Thomas Wahome, has faced accusations of land grabbing, while Kings Outreach Church, which split from the umbrella of churches linked to Prophet David Owuor, is also among those deregistered.
Notably, Goodnews International Ministries, owned by controversial cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie, has been under scrutiny after over 450 bodies were exhumed from its premises.
The decision to deregister these churches is a response to growing concerns about the proliferation of rogue religious institutions that exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
Theophilus Church, which operates facilities in Githurai and Njatha-Ini, led by Bishop John Githiri and Rev Rachael wa Kuria, has also had its registration revoked.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero, whose church registration has been canceled, was arrested on April 27 and faced allegations of conspiracy to commit a crime and money laundering. Although not formally charged, he was released on bail on May 12. Throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, Pastor Ezekiel has consistently maintained his innocence.
In July, Ezekiel filed a lawsuit against the government seeking compensation for the physical, financial, reputational, and emotional toll of the investigation. The respondents listed in the lawsuit include the Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Communications Authority of Kenya CEO Ezra Chiloba, Ministry of Interior, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The deregistration of these churches reflects the government's efforts to ensure that religious organizations adhere to legal and ethical standards, safeguarding the well-being of their congregants and maintaining public trust in the sector.
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