Another Kenyan pastor arrested over deaths of followers
Police in Kenya have arrested another popular pastor and closed his church on the Indian Ocean coast as the number of deaths linked to a cult in the area rose to 103
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police in Kenya arrested another popular pastor on the country's Indian Ocean coast as the number of deaths linked to a cult in the area rose to 103 on Thursday.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero “is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers,” according to a statement by Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.
Odero will be questioned overnight and is expected to appear in court on Friday.
His church has been closed and those who were found inside were ordered out, Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha said.
Odero’s megachurch, the New Life Prayer Centre Church, is in Malindi County, where another pastor, Paul Mackenzie, is being investigated for allegedly directing his followers to fast until death.
Police have been exhuming bodies at a ranch owned by Mackenzie, where he moved in 2019 after closing his church in Malindi. As part of the move, he reportedly sold his television channel to Odero.
Odero’s television channel is popular in Kenyan households, with people travelling from across the country to visit his church.
His YouTube channel boasts more than 400,000 subscribers and more than 70 million views.
Odero’s megacrusades have in the past been attended by senior politicians, including the wife of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Pastor Dorcas.
Kenya is a largely religious society.