Pastor Ezekiel Odero has moved to the High Court seeking to overturn the decision by the Registrar of Societies to deregister his New Life International Church.
Through his lawyers, Ezekiel Odero also asked the High Court to order the Attorney General to address the matter within 90 days from today.
Speaking to the media on Friday, August 18, immediately after filing the application, lawyer Danstan Omari revealed that the Kilifi-based preacher wants the State to re-register the church and refrain from interfering with its operations.
The attorneys further asked the Registrar of Societies and Inspector General of Police to guarantee the safety of the New Life International Church faithful.
"It's suspicious. It's a clear manifestation against Pastor Ezekiel. Notices to close have never been served. No notice to show cause has been issued as provided by the rules as required by the constitution," Omari claimed.
Omari assured Odero's followers that he will fight to ensure their freedom of worship and assembly is guaranteed as provided in the Constitution.
"This is a bid to frustrate his ministry. We are acting in speed seeking that the AG considers us," lawyer Martina Swiga emphasised.
While pointing out what they termed pure mischief, the Lawyers claimed that the Gazette Notice was issued on Friday, August 18, yet the Church was purportedly deregistered in May 2023.
They also claimed that the State was triggered by a suit in which Pastor Ezekiel is demanding compensation in millions of shillings following his arrest and detention.
Pastor Ezekiel was arrested on April 27, arraigned in court, and investigated for money laundering and other related crimes but was released on a Ksh1.5 million bail on May 12 without being charged formally.
Other than Odero's religious institution, the Registrar of Societies also deregistered four other churches, including Helicopter of Christ Church, Theophilus Church, Kings Outreach Church and Good News International Ministries.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12 (1) of the Societies Act, the Registrar of Societies cancels the registration of the societies specified in the first column of the Schedule, with effect from the respective dates specified in the third column of the Schedule," Registrar of Societies Maria Nyariki.
