Renowned city lawyers, Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta, on Sunday, April 30, had to intercede for Citizen TV journalists who were chased away by Pastor Ezekiel Odero's followers.
While addressing the supporters outside New Life International Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County, Omari affirmed that blocking Citizen TV journalists from accessing the compound would create dubious perceptions from the public.
He added that all journalists, both drawn from local and international media, would be included in the process.
"We have come here to prove that the reports being propagated are lies. You will allow me to enter this premises with both local and international media including BBC. Once we're done, we will bring a report," Omari stated.
"Don't go with Citizen TV. We had barred them from entering the premises," one of the followers interjected.
"Allow us to also go with Citizen TV. We don't want anyone person from the media to be prevented as people may claim that we have something to hide," Omari stated in a rejoinder.
The followers had pitched camp at the church which is currently closed on police orders. In a video that circulated on social media, Odero's supporters lashed out at Citizen TV journalists forcing them to retreat to their media vehicle.
The followers accused the giant media house of peddling false narratives regarding their pastor.
The multi-million investment situated in Mavueni, Kilifi County, comprises several social amenities such as residential apartments, a hospital, hotels, a petrol station, a helipad, cottages, and a rehabilitation centre.
Ezekiel's lawyers, Ombeta and Omari, had tasked the State to provide evidence over the pastor's charges. Ezekiel is accused of terrorism, kidnapping, and mass killing of followers who sought divine intervention.
The pastor was arrested after Shanzu Law Court ordered the police to apprehend him over links to the Shakahola massacre.
“Police have collected several burial permits that were issued to several individuals whose names and telephone numbers have been disclosed in these records," read part of court papers dated April 28, 2023.
