Ezra Chiloba, the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), suspended World Evangelism TV and Times TV stations from broadcasting in Kenya with immediate effect starting on Friday, April 28.
In a notice, Chiloba indicated that the TV stations had violated broadcasting standards and conditions issued to them before acquiring their licences.
Chiloba indicated that Evangelism TV was associated with Pastor Ezekiel Odera and was registered under New Life Communications Limited.
On the other hand, the CA Director General added that Times TV , registered under Good News Media Kenya Limited, was associated with Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
"Following an extensive review of content aired by the two stations between January - April, 2023, the Authority established that the TV stations violated broadcasting standards requirements and license conditions," the notice read in part.
According to Chiloba, Pastor Ezekiel-owned TV station violated broadcasting standards by airing content on exorcism.
"Similarly, Times TV aired inappropriate content on exorcism and flouted 17 other broadcasting license conditions," Chiloba disclosed.
Further, Chiloba directed the broadcast signal distributor, Pan African Network Group (PANG) Limited, to cease carrying the two stations on its platform until further notice.
"The two televangelists are under investigation for the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County," he added.
The two preachers were apprehended and linked to the murder of several people whose bodies were found buried in Shakahola, Kilifi County.
Ezekiel was arrested on Thursday, April 27, and his church shut down with immediate effect. Following his arrest, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure announced that the preacher would face charges related to the mass killing of his followers.
The CS further evacuated over 100 followers found at his church in Mavueni, Kilifi County.
Mackenzie was arrested on Saturday, April 15, after bodies believed to be his followers were exhumed from shallow graves in Shakahola. The number rose to over 90.
Preliminary reports indicated that he had advised his followers to fast till death. Following the revelation, President William Ruto equated Pastor Mackenzie's actions to terrorism.
Responding to the arrests of the two televangelists, Kindiki vowed to clamp down on religious radicalisation in the country. The Interior CS further transferred local law enforcement officers.
"The government has decided that effective today, we will transfer all station, division, sub-county, county heads and commanders of all agencies within Kilifi County effective today.
"We will replace them with their colleagues from elsewhere so that we can show the public that what we are doing is for the good of the country and for the good of justice," Kindiki announced.
