Stop linking Pastor Ezekiel to Shakahola crimes - Pius Muiru

Evangelist Pastor Pius Muiru has come to the defense of the embattled pastor Ezekiel Odero. 

While addressing the media, Muiru alleged that Ezekiel is being linked to crimes against humanity, abduction and fraud but his other colleagues are hoping for a fair trial. 

"Stop linking Ezekiel to crime against humanity, it looks like the church is under persecution," he said. 

"We have so many people who are in solidarity with Pastor Ezekiel, the mood in the country is people are waiting to see how the ruling will be made." 

Muiru also said that what is happening to Ezekiel is a common thing that people know, adding that the church leaders are not opposed to any investigations. 

"The only thing we are opposing is tacit persecution and affliction whereby someone is trying to connect pastor Ezekiel to crimes." 

On Tuesday, the court ruled that Ezekiel will spend two more days in police custody pending the hearing of his case on May 4. 

Ezekiel was last week arraigned before Shanzu Magistrate Court after he was accused of committing the felony of murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalization, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud and money laundering.

The Director of Criminal Investigation filed an affidavit asking the court to deny Odero bail terms because the crimes under investigation by their nature, gravity and seriousness are complex.

His lawyers insist that he is innocent and want him to be released.

The two, Ezekiel and Muiru, met around 2000. This is after he joined Bishop Muiru’s Maximum Miracle Church as a choir teacher and thereafter praise and worship teacher.

According to authorities investigating the matter, his encounter with Muiru came to shape his life significantly and could have inspired him to establish his church while maintaining a close relationship with Muiru.