In a significant legal setback for Pastor Ezekiel Odero, the Court of Appeal has dismissed his application to suspend the closure of the New Life Prayer Center and Church in Kilifi.
This decision follows the Registrar of Societies’ directive to deregister the church, which was announced in a gazette notice dated August 3, 2023.
The ruling was delivered by a panel of three judges: Daniel Musinga, Kathurima M’Inoti, and Paul Gachoka.
Pastor Odero had appealed to the court, arguing that the Registrar had acted in bad faith by canceling the church’s registration without prior notice.
He expressed concerns that the sudden deregistration infringed upon his rights and those of the congregation.
During the proceedings, Pastor Odero’s legal team emphasized the importance of the church’s operations in the community, asserting that the closure would have detrimental effects on the spiritual well-being of its members.
However, the judges ruled against the pastor’s application, citing procedural adherence and the authority of the Registrar of Societies to take such actions.
The Registrar, Maria Nyariki, had stated that the decision to deregister the church was made under the powers conferred by section 12 (1) of the Societies Act. The gazette notice outlined that the cancellation of registration would take effect immediately, leaving the church in a state of uncertainty.
Pastor Odero’s followers were visibly distressed by the court’s ruling, with many expressing their unwavering support for their leader.
In response to the decision, Pastor Odero vowed to continue fighting for the church’s rights, indicating plans to pursue further legal options to overturn the deregistration.
As the news spread, community members rallied around the church, emphasizing its role as a spiritual haven.
The New Life Prayer Center has been a source of hope and guidance for many in the Kilifi region, and its potential closure has raised concerns among its congregation about access to spiritual support.
The court’s dismissal has set the stage for ongoing legal battles, with Pastor Odero determined to seek justice and reinstatement for his church.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious institutions and regulatory authorities, and the outcome will likely have broader implications for similar organizations facing scrutiny.
As the situation develops, the congregation remains hopeful for a resolution that would allow them to continue their spiritual journey under Pastor Odero’s leadership, while the legal teams prepare for the next steps in what has become a pivotal fight for the church’s existence.
