Emmanuel Omurunga
The family of a Tanzanian man is seeking justice following his unexplained death at the New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County, led by controversial preacher Pastor Ezekiel Odero.
The incident reportedly happened on December 8, 2024, during a significant church event, amid allegations of a coordinated cover-up by church leaders and local law enforcement.
The deceased, Zachariah Kyomo, reportedly traveled from Mbeya, Tanzania, and allegedly died in Room 7 at Jordan Hotel, located within the church’s compound, after paying Ksh 1 million for special prayers.
Witnesses indicate that his wife, grieving the sudden loss, threatened to reveal the church’s involvement in the tragedy, but officials are said to have quickly offered her Ksh 2 million to remain silent, locking the body in the room until they could devise a plan.
On December 9, church officials allegedly requested help from an OCS at Chasimba Police Station, which is far outside the jurisdiction to address the situation.
An affidavit was sworn, claiming Kyomo died while being taken to the hospital in ambulance KDR 523X.
The body was discreetly removed from the site around 2 a. m. and transported to Tanzania two days later.
No postmortem was performed, but records indicate multiple pre-existing health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, as the cause of death.
Distraught family members are now questioning the inconsistencies regarding Kyomo’s death and how the case was managed.
They seek clarity on why the body was confined in the hotel room overnight and why law enforcement from a remote jurisdiction was involved.
“Mbona mwili wa mpendwa wetu uliwekwa ndani ya chumba usiku mzima badala ya kufikishwa hospitali? ” one relative asked anonymously. The family has condemned the hasty transportation of the body to Tanzania before any comprehensive investigation could occur.
These discrepancies, they contend, suggest a coordinated effort to conceal what transpired.
They question why an affidavit was sworn stating Kyomo died in transit when witnesses assert his body was locked in the room until late that night.
The family has also noted similarities between these events and other reports of suspicious deaths associated with the church.
On December 11, just days after Kyomo’s death, another tragedy hit the church as a woman from Machakos reportedly collapsed and died during a service.
Witnesses claim she died on church grounds, but ambulance KDR 523X was again utilized to transport her to Kilifi Referral Hospital, where it was allegedly claimed she died en route.
These recent mysterious death cases at New Life Prayer Centre and Church have raised significant concerns about the church’s practices, especially amid allegations that Pastor Ezekiel Odero may be linked to occult activities and a troubling pattern of unexplained fatalities.
There are suspicions that some deaths may relate to ritualistic practices (allegedly supported by Pastor Ezekiel) at the church known for large gatherings and evangelical outreach.
These claims have some foundation, given the tragic Shakahola Forest massacre events.
Following the Shakahola incident, where over 100 bodies were found in mass graves, many victims were believed to be followers of a cult led by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who urged followers to fast for spiritual salvation.
Pastor Ezekiel’s name has frequently arisen in the investigations into the tragedy.
While he has denied any direct involvement, he acknowledged in April 2023 that at least 15 victims died at his church after seeking prayers.
Some of these deaths were reportedly associated with health issues, but the actual cause of these fatalities remains unclear.
Wamuzi News Ke
