The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has clarified that televangelist Ezekiel Odero of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church has not been freed and his case has not been thrown out by the court.
In a statement on Thursday, the ODPP said that a review of Odero’s inquiry files is ongoing and no case against him has been terminated.
The ODPP explained that it had initially sought an extension of custody for Odero to allow for investigations, but after reviewing the inquiry files, the agency concluded that the investigation was at an advanced stage and there was no need for Odero to make court and police station appearances.
The ODPP added that only Odero’s custodial file was thrown out by the Shanzu Magistrates Court on Thursday.
During the hearing on Tuesday at the Shanzu law court, the prosecution said that investigative agencies could not find evidence linking pastor Odero and his church to controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie.
While making a ruling, Chief Magistrate Joe Omido ordered that a cash bail of Sh1.5 million, paid by Odero be reimbursed.
“Having considered the application made orally yesterday by the respondent’s counsel and having further considered the response made by the prosecution counsel who has filed a report vide a letter dated October 30, 2023, and further having considered the record in its entirety, I hereby proceed to discharge the respondent Ezekiel Odero,” Omido ruled.
“I discharge in respect of the respondent, the orders made on May 2, 2023, and the subsequent one made on May 4, 2023. The cash bail of Ksh.1.5 million that was deposited is to be released to the depositor and this file is now closed.”
Odero is accused of jointly and by conspiracy, of committing murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalization, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.