'It costs millions to host a mega rally,' Pastor Ezekiel Odero says as he leads Nairobi crusade

Congregants at a crusade led by Pastor Ezekiel Odero at Jacaranda grounds, Nairobi. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Controversial Coast-based Pastor Ezekiel Odero has said it costs millions of shillings to put up a mega rally, as he leads his followers in a crusade in Nairobi.

Odero of New Life Church in Mavueni, Kilifi county is holding a two-day crusade at Nairobi’s Jacaranda grounds.

The pastor was recently released from police custody on a bond of Sh3 million or a cash bail of Sh1.5 million after being held for seven days in connection with among other offenses related to abduction, radicalisation, genocide, money laundering, sale of human organs, and crimes against humanity.

Odero revealed that he has acquired 51 acres of land in Kitengela where he will build a church to serve his members in Nairobi and its environs.

He also said that he will tour all 47 counties while holding crusades.

Last week, Odero was in Kisii County.

Early last month, the government denied him permission to hold his Machakos stadium prayer rally.

His lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta who were at the Jacaranda crusade said that the government did not give a reason for not allowing the Machakos crusade to take place.

They however thanked the State for allowing Odero to hold the Saturday rally.

Lawyer Omari also said that Odero had written to the presidential task force on religion led by Rev.Mutava Musyimi inviting them to his church on August 1, to see how the church service is conducted and facilities contained.

He added that Odero is the first church leader to welcome the commission to its church and called on other religious leaders in the country to open the doors of their organisations and churches for open scrutiny.