Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has opposed the government’s move to arrest controversial televangelist Pastor Ezekiel Odero over his alleged links to Paul Mackenzie and the mass murder of over 100 people in Shakahola, Kilifi County.

Taking to social media on Thursday, Barasa condemned the apprehension of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church preacher saying the cultic actions of some religious leaders should not be used to victimise others.

The MP castigated Paul Mackenzie and the self-proclaimed Yesu wa Tongaren whom he referred to as criminals.

“I don’t think it was warranted for police to arrest Pastor Ezekiel Odero. One criminal who was running a cult and another one referring to himself as Yesu wa Tongaren cannot be the cause and or result to a blanket condemnation of the church,” he wrote.

According to the legislator, God would bestow his punishment on the people for arresting the pastor.

“God will punish us heavily for this…I strongly oppose this act.”

Starvation cult

Pastor Ezekiel was arrested on Thursday, a day after he was questioned about alleged links to Mackenzie, the leader of a starvation cult that has led to the deaths of at least 109 people in Kenya, as well as alleged congregant indoctrination.

He was arraigned in court on Friday, where police sought to detain him for 30 more days pending completion of investigations.

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