Government deregisters Pastor Ezekiel Odero's New Life Church

The Office of Registrar of Societies has deregistered Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s New Life Prayer Centre and Church, and four others. 

In a Gazette notice on Friday, August 19, the church located in Mavueni, Kilifi County ceases to be part of churches registered under the society effective May 19, 2023.

New Life Prayer Centre was deregistered alongside other five churches including those led by controversial preachers David Owuor and Paul Makenzi. 

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12 (1) of the Societies Act, the Registrar of Societies cancels the registration of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church, Good News International Ministries, Helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church, and Royal Park Home Owners Estate Association Langata,” read the Gazette Notice.

The notice comes months after Odero and Makenzi were linked with the deaths of more than 400 people including children, who starved themselves to death in order to meet Christ. 

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The two were later arrested and charged with several criminal charges including genocide.

Odero was however released on a cash bail of Sh1.5 million or a Sh3 million bond and barred from commenting on events at Chakama Ranch in Shakahola, Kilifi County.

His counterpart on the other hand is still in custody and is to remain there for 39 more days to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) more time to compel the investigation.

So far, the death toll in Shakahola stands at 427.