Editor's Review

“I applaud the de-registration of the Mackenzie, Pastor Ezekiel, and other rogue churches. Terminate all rogue religious institutions."

Azimio La Umoja Coalition spokesperson Makau Mutua has commended the Kenya Kwanza government after it deregistered Pastor Paul Mackenzie and Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s churches.

In a statement on Friday, August 18, Mutua asked the state to close all rogue churches saying they are a misery to the country.

“I applaud the de-registration of the Mackenzie, Pastor Ezekiel, and other rogue churches. Terminate all rogue religious institutions. They are a scourge and blight on the land,” he tweeted.

This comes after the Registrar of societies in a gazette notice cancelled the license given to the New Life Prayer Center and Church and Goodnews International Church owned by Pastor Ezekiel and Pastor Mackenzie respectively.

File image of Pastor Ezekiel Odero at a past crusade.

Other churches that were deregistered are Helicopter of Christ Church and Kings Outreach Church Theophilus church.

"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 statement read in part.

According to the registrar, the churches stood deregistered as of May 19, 2023.

The Royal Park Home Owners Estate Association Langata which was registered as a society was also canceled.

Pastor Ezekiel's church has been facing allegations of money laundering and cultism, issues that he has denied.

Pastor Mackenzie on the other hand is accused of masterminding the Shakahola massacre that resulted in the deaths of tens of people.