Pastor Ezekiel Odero is a prominent Kenyan preacher known for his ministry and significant influence in the evangelical community.
According to Wikipedia, he is the founder and head of the New Life Church.
New Life Church has garnered a massive following, particularly in Mombasa and Kilifi County.
His journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Kenya’s most recognized religious figures is both inspiring and complex.
The pastor’s ministry experiences challenges.
One of the major known challenges is the allegations of links to the Shakahola tragedy that claimed the lives of 400 people.
Read more on Khalif Kairo Breaks Silence on Arrest Rumors: “My Happy Place”
Pastor Ezekiel’s Ministry Controversies and Challenges
Despite his success, Pastor Ezekiel’s ministry has not been without controversy.
In April 2023, he was linked to a cult investigation in Malindi.
This raised serious allegations regarding mass killings and the treatment of followers.
He was arrested and faced scrutiny over the activities associated with his church, leading to its temporary closure.
However, he maintained that the deaths reported were of individuals who came to his church seeking prayers and were already ill.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero was arrested in connection with the investigation into the Shakahola massacre.
Over 400 bodies were discovered in mass graves linked to a religious cult.
Authorities have shut down his New Life Church in Kilifi County, evacuating more than 100 individuals who were at the premises.
While police have not formally connected Pastor Ezekiel to the cult leader Paul Mackenzie.
Paul Mackenzie was accused of instructing followers to starve themselves.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ezekiel Odero |
| Date of Birth | 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Ngodhe Island, Homa Bay County, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Pastor, Televangelist |
| Church | New Life Prayer Centre and Church |
| Spouse | Sarah Wanzu Odero |
| Children | Three (two biological, one adopted) |
| Education | Mombasa Polytechnic (dropped out) |
| Early Life | Grew up in poverty; involved in fishing to support family |
| Controversies | Linked to Shakahola cult investigation; arrested in April 2023 |
| Current Status | Active in ministry; church operations ongoing despite controversies |
Pastor Ezekiel Early Life and Education
Born in the 1970s on Ngodhe Island, located near Rusinga Island in Homa Bay County.
Pastor Ezekiel grew up in a challenging environment.
Raised by his mother and grandfather, he faced financial hardships that impacted his education.
He attended Ngodhe Island Primary School but struggled academically due to the need to fish at night to support his family.
After moving to Kisumu with his grandfather, he eventually passed his KCPE exams.
He enrolled at Miwani High School, where he completed his secondary education with a mean grade of C in his KCSE exams.
He later pursued a course in Chemical Processing Technology at Mombasa Polytechnic but dropped out due to financial constraints.
Pastor Ezekiel Spiritual Journey
Ezekiel’s spiritual journey began in a strict Christian household.
He was actively involved in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
His early experiences in church, including singing in the choir and learning to play the keyboard
Ezekiel then laid the foundation for his future ministry.
After moving to Mombasa, he joined the Maximum Miracle Church.
And that is where he honed his skills as a choir teacher and worship leader under the mentorship of Bishop Pius Muiru.
This period was crucial in shaping his pastoral identity and preparing him for his future endeavors.
View this post on Instagram
Read more on Jeff Mwathi:A Life Cut Short, the Quest for Justice, and Unanswered Questions.
How Pastor Ezekiel Established New Life Church
In 2004, Pastor Ezekiel and his wife, Sarah Odero, founded the New Life Church in Shanzu, Mombasa.
Their vision was to create a welcoming space for worshippers.
And over the years, the church grew exponentially, attracting thousands of congregants.
In 2020, the church relocated to a larger facility in Mavueni, Kilifi County.
They built a mega-church capable of accommodating up to 45,000 people.
This move was part of a broader vision that included constructing various facilities such as schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers on the 65-acre property they purchased.
Pastor Ezekiel’s Wife
Pastor Ezekiel is married to Sarah Odero, and together they have three children—two biological and one adopted.
Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support and shared vision, which has been instrumental in the growth of their ministry.
The couple often emphasizes the importance of family values and community support in their teachings and public appearances.
Read more on Ezekiel Mutua Denies Suspension Rumors, Clarifies His Position at MCSK