Blow as High Court declines to issue conservatory orders

Evangelist Ezekiel Odero suffered a set back after the high court sitting in Mombasa declined to issue conservatory orders in the opening of Life prayer centre and church in Mavueni, Kilifi county for normal services to resume with the freezing of the church’s accounts.

Lady Justice Olgaa Sewe directed Ezekiel’s application certified as urgent with the matter listed for inter-parties hearing on Monday.

She also directed the respondents listed in the matter be served forthwith after considering the notice of motion application urgent.

“This is after having perused and considered the notice led by Ezekiel’s leading counsel Danstan Omari with the averments set out in the supporting affidavit,” the court pointed out.

The counsel had moved to court under certificate of urgency with a notice of motion application filed with extreme urgency after alleging a contravention of fundamental rights and freedoms.

He argued the move to close down the church will deny the pastor and the congregation their religious freedom and right to property.

“No party will be prejudged if the instant application is allowed,” he pointed out.

Ezekiel’s advocate argued that in the interim order his client is seeking to restrain the respondents either by themselves or their agents from taking adverse action against the pastor.

Danstan argued in his application before the court that the order they are seeking will temporarily direct the listed respondents from interfering with the church activities.

He added the court’s interim order of temporary stay is as a result of communication from the Communication Authority of Kenya to their client suspending the operations of the pastor’s television frequency and operation.

“That though the allegations against the pastor are unsubstantiated and scandalous,” he pointed out.