The New Life International Church Risks Closure

The New Life international church in Mavueni, Kilifi County risks closure by the state.
This is after the Anti Terror Police Unit (ATPU) raided the church on 30th May 2023 where they seized computers and other communication devices.

Samples of water and handkerchiefs used at the televangelist church were also taken to the government laboratories for testing.

The raid came over after the registrar of societies issued a notice to deregister the church after the church allegedly failed to file tax returns.

His lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Danstan Omari claimed that the Office of the Registrar of Societies is being used by the state to frustrate the preacher, saying there were relentless efforts by the state to get Ezekiel to a ‘particular corner.

They accused the government of using other tactics to force the closure of the church after they successfully petitioned for the initial closure of the church.

According to documents filed by Dastan Omari, one of his lawyers, Pastor Ezekiel Odero accused the state of attempting to hinder and slow down all development projects he was undertaking.

Omari argued that striking his church from the registrar list would be unfair, as it serves thousands of congregants.

“If you close down the church, you will not closing down Ezekiel’s church but that of the people,” argued his lead lawyer, Danstan Omari.