The government, on Thursday, May 11, confirmed that Kilifi-based Pastor Ezekiel Odero's New Life Prayer Centre filed tax returns, contrary to previous allegations.
In response to the allegations, Pastor Ezekiel's Lawyer, Danstan Omari, defended his client and stated that New Life Prayer Centre and Church had fully complied with the Law and paid all necessary taxes.
Omari also shared a copy of a Tax Compliance Certificate issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), indicating Pastor Ezekiel complied with tax laws.
"This is to confirm that New Life Prayer Centre and Church, personal identification number P0********H, has filed relevant tax returns and paid taxes due as provided by law. This certificate will be valid for 12 months up to June 28, 2023," states the tax compliance certificate.
While appearing before the Senate Standing Committee investigating the matter on Wednesday, May 10, Registrar of Societies, Jane Joram, revealed that the State had served Pastor Ezekiel Odero with a 30-day show cause letter asking him to demonstrate why his Church should not be closed for complying with Tax Laws.
Joram claimed that Pastor Ezekiel's New Life Prayer Centre and Church faced closure for failing to file tax returns for the past ten years.
Registrar of Societies' sentiments was supported by Attorney General Justin Muturi, who explained that Pastor Ezekiel's Church met all the conditions at the time of registration, but failed to file tax returns in recent years.
"We only have offices in 14 regions. If we were in Kilifi, maybe we would have noticed what was happening," Muturi also clarified that the Church was registered as a religious organisation.
After a vicious court battle, on Wednesday, May 10, Mombasa High Court granted Pastor Ezekiel and his followers access to New Life International Church premises in Mavueni Kilifi County.
While granting the orders, Mombasa Presiding Judge Olga Sewe acknowledged the complaints from the Televangelist, who noted that his followers had faced immense difficulties.
Mombasa High Court also overturned the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) suspension of the operations of New Life International Church's Television Station.
