Pastor Ezekiel speaks out against disrespect towards Kenyan pastors

Pastor Ezekiel Odero preaches during a service at New Life Prayer Centre and Church, Kilifi County, on May 13, 2023. [Robert Menza, Standard]

Popular televangelist Pastor Ezekiel Odero has criticised Kenyans for their disrespectful behaviour towards men of God in the country.

During a church service at his establishment, New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Kilifi County, the visibly upset pastor noted that Kenyans habitually make pastors' lives difficult with constant criticism and bashing, regardless of their actions.

"In Kenya, there is no good pastor; everyone is bad. Bishop Harrison Ng'ang'a, you call him a devil. Some even claim he has taken your money. Who asked you for your money? Bishop Muiru, you called him names. Apostle Ng'ang'a, you called him names. You are killing your own; none of them is surviving. I don't know who bewitched Kenya. There is no child of yours that you have given a chance to just preach genuinely," he began.

According to Pastor Ezekiel, ministers of God's word in the country can do nothing right in the eyes of Kenyans and are, therefore, subjected to denigration by their countrymen.

Comparing the situation to Uganda and Tanzania, the televangelist stated that pastors in these countries can comfortably preach the word of God as they receive continuous support from their people and even the government.

"None of them is good enough for you. Be it on social media, you just keep insulting them. Go to Uganda; they take care of their spiritual children. Go to Tanzania; they take care of their spiritual children. As long as they have seen you are gifted in that area, they take care of you, even the government takes care of them," he continued.

Speaking from experience, Pastor Ezekiel found himself on the receiving end of backlash last year after he was arrested and his church closed, accused of being involved in the Shakahola mass killings. Following his arrest, his wife, Sarah Odera, called upon his followers to pray and fast for his release.

"I am here to inform you briefly about what is happening. There are investigations that the government is conducting. Nothing is wrong, but we will not have our services for the next few days. I know you have heard many things on social media and TV, and this is happening to New Life and other churches, too. Only prayers can help us now as we let the government do its investigations. There is nothing hard before God. He who has faith will have God as their defender," she said.

After investigations, Ezekiel was released, and his name was cleared. During his time in detention, the preacher revealed that his only worry was his followers' faith wavering. "We had seven days without services. It was a difficult time for me because I'm not used to not holding services to pray for people. It troubled me. My greatest concern was your faith," he said.