The arrest of a well-known televangelist on Thursday has caused shock and outrage throughout Kenya, following reports of the “mass killing of his followers”.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero was detained by authorities as they investigated numerous deaths linked to a church in the same region, which has been described by some as a cult.
The Interior Minister confirmed the arrest and revealed that officials were already probing the deaths before Odero’s detention. As investigations continue, the death toll has risen to 103, prompting calls for a crackdown on religious extremist groups in the country.
The revelations have caused widespread shock and disbelief, with many Kenyans expressing their horror at the scale of the alleged killings. Some have described the situation as a “national tragedy”, while others have called for swift action to bring those responsible to justice.
According to sources, the authorities were alerted to the alleged mass killings after concerned members of the public reported suspicious activity at the church in question. Upon investigation, they discovered a horrifying scene of carnage, with dozens of bodies reportedly found in various states of decomposition.
According to regional official Rhoda Onyancha to reporters, Odero’s arrest was connected to “allegations of deaths that have been occurring at his premises and reported in various morgues or institutions.”
The authorities have not yet released any details of how the alleged killings took place or who was responsible, but there are reports that Odero and other members of the church leadership are being held in custody for questioning.
As news of the alleged killings has spread, many Kenyans have expressed their outrage at what they see as the exploitation of vulnerable people by religious leaders.
The case has raised questions about the role of the media in promoting and perpetuating the activities of controversial religious leaders.
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