Bungoma’s self-proclaimed ‘Jesus of Tongaren’ will spend four more days in police cells pending mental assessment exercise and investigations.
Eliud Wekesa alias Yesu wa Tongaren was summoned on Wednesday by the Bungoma DCI officer Elijah Macharia for questioning over his New Jerusalem church that he claims he has run for more than 12 years.
On Thursday, Wekesa was arrested and arraigned in court and accused of unlawful operation of an unregistered society, radicalisation and money laundering.
The prosecution also declared him mentally unstable asking the court to grant them permission to conduct a mental assessment on the suspect.
On Friday, Bungoma Principal Magistrate, Tom Olando granted the prosecution four days to complete the investigations at the suspect’s place and carry out a mental assessment.
“The court has agreed and granted permission to the prosecution side to detain the suspect for four more days to allow them to complete the probe and carry out the mental assessment,” Olando said.
The prosecution also alleges that there have been criminal activities on indoctrination at the suspect’s church that might be linked to the Shakahola incident.
The prosecution also found it hard to release the suspect arguing that he faces stoning and crucifixion danger from the public.
Olando told the press that the case will be mentioned on May 16, 2023.
On his part, Yesu wa Tongaren said that he is ready to face any charges that will be read to him before the court of law.
Wekesa’s lawyer, Simiyu Wamalwa told the court that the suspect has a right to be set free since the court had no holding charges against him.
Addressing the press on Thursday, Bungoma county commander Francis Kooli told the Star that the police have started investigations against rogue church leaders.
This comes after he led the police in a crackdown that saw the New Life Church Bungoma branch that is linked to Pastor Ezekiel Odero shut down and followers disperse as the DCI summons the head of the church.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
