Nairobi — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has now denied claims the case against Pastor Ezekiel Odero has been closed.
A statement from his office indicated that investigations were still underway and the case has not been dropped.
"Contrary to the said reports, we would like to clarify that a review of the inquiry files in respect of Mr. Odero is ongoing and no case against him has been terminated as alleged," the ODPP stated.
According to the ODPP, it initially sought to extend the duration of custodial orders for another 30 days to allow the police to complete their investigations, but the court denied the request and granted him bond of 1.5 million with the conditions that he not interfere with witnesses and report to the investigators on a weekly basis.
"At the expiry of the seven days, the DPP sought an extension of custodial orders for a further 30 days to enable the police complete investigations. The court however admitted Odero to a bond of Ksh. 1.5 million million with conditions that he does not interfere with witnesses and report to the investigators on a weekly basis," the statement went on to say.
The ODPP stated that they were satisfied upon the receipt of the inquiry files that the court orders facilitating investigations had already served their purpose and it was needless for Odero to keep attending court or the police station.
They also said that it will take action once the investigation is completed.
"Consequently, when the matter came up for mention today, 31. October 2023, the court closed the custodial file. The ODPP shall make a decision as regards to the results of the investigation as soon as the review thereof is complete" the statement explained.
The office also stated that it will continue to carry out its mandate in conformity with the constitution and the law.
"To this end, the office shall only make the decision to charge where the evidential and public interest thresholds have been met" it said.
Odero has been charged with murder, kidnapping, assisting suicide, radicalization, genocide, child abuse, fraud, crimes against humanity and money laundering.
