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Pastor Ezekiel Odero was forced to cancel his planned crusade at the Machakos stadium over the weekend after authorities cancelled the event’s permit.

Ezekiel’s lawyers said the preacher was expected to be part of the keynote speakers at the event alongside his spiritual father Bishop Pius Muiru in Machakos before the permit was cancelled on grounds that he could not indulge the public while still under active investigations.

Following the cancellation, Ezekiel’s other planned rallies at the Kasarani sports complex next weekend hang in the balance.

Muiru had been given the licence to hold the crusade by security organs in Machakos county but it was revoked on the eve of the crusade after authorities learnt that Ezekiel would address the congregation.

His lawyers Cliff Ombeta and Danstan Omari (right) protested the decision, terming it as a violation of his rights and an infringement on freedom of worship.

 “The permit was issued under the name of Pastor Pius Muiru, who in turn invited Ezekiel as a guest preacher,” said Omari.

Omari said the church lost close to Sh500,000 following the cancellation of the crusade. 

“The loss that was witnessed is over Sh500,000, but the biggest loss is that his followers are unable to get his sermons despite them having a right to do so.

Speaking in Mombasa, Omari said they plan to move to court this week to seek anticipatory orders barring authorities from cancelling his planned crusade at the Kasarani Sports Complex.

“He intends to be in Nairobi on June 9, 10 and 11 in advance, everybody knows about it and it is our wish that it will happen,’’ said Ombeta.

The church, he said, has about ten million worshippers spread across the world.