Judge Sends Yesu wa Tongaren to Psychiatrist, Extends Detention Period

Eliud Wekesa, alias Yesu wa Tongaren speaks to the media on April 7, 2023, in Bungoma County.
Eliud Wekesa, alias Yesu wa Tongaren speaks to the media on April 7, 2023, in Bungoma County.
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Bungoma Principal Magistrate Tom Mark Olando on Friday, May 12, directed Yesu wa Tongaren to be subjected to a mental assessment at Bungoma County Referal Hospital.

The Magistrate also ordered the police to hold the spiritual leader of the New Jerusalem sect in Bungoma for four more days pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

As per the orders, Yesu wa Tongaren will be kept in custody at Bungoma Police Station as the officers conduct a search operation at his residence in Tongaren.

In a petition, the police had asked the court to grant them seven days to conclude their investigations into his religious activities.

A screengrab of Mwalimu Yesu and his disciples in Bungoma county
A screengrab of Mwalimu Yesu and his disciples in Bungoma county
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The self-proclaimed Messiah presented himself to Bungoma Police Station on Thursday, May 11, for further questioning but instead, the police took him to court. 

Principal Magistrate Olando ordered that Yesu wa Tongaren be produced in court on Tuesday, May 16, when he will make further orders. 

The Directorate of Public Prosecution alleged that Yesu wa Tingaren's New Jerusalem Church was not duly registered as per the Law. 

Speaking after being arraigned in court, Yesu wa Tongaren warned the police that they will have to prove their case against him, noting that he had done nothing wrong.

"Everyone will have to carry their own cross today," Yesu wa Tongaren told the police as he spoke to the Journalists through grills. 

At Bungoma Law Courts, Yesu wa Tongaren had a change of mind and hired a Lawyer, Simiyu Wamalwa, who told the court that the Preacher had been operating the shrine for more than 12 years.

“The DCI is using the Shakahola incident to infringe on the rights of Wekesa, let them allow him to enjoy his freedom of worship as provided in the Constitution,” Wamalwa told the court.

In response, Bungoma DCIO Elijah Macharia, told Magistrate Olando that there was credible evidence linking Yesu wa Tongaren to misleading teachings apart from the fact that he was running an unlawful society. 

A screen grab of the two churches led by Mwalimu Yesu in Bungoma county
A screen grab of the two churches led by Mwalimu Yesu in Bungoma county
Afrimax English
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