Kenyan court sets bail for pastor in parishioner death probe

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A court in Kenya ruled Thursday that one of two pastors under investigation for the deaths of more than 100 of their congregants, many of whom are believed to have starved to death, could be released on bond or bail.

Pastor Ezekiel Odero was arrested last week in connection with the deaths of dozens of his congregants at his coastal megachurch, which draws thousands of people from across the country.

Police closed the church, but lawyers have filed an application, scheduled to be heard Monday, to have it reopened.

Odero's parishioners turned up outside the court Thursday to pray for his release, which was granted on condition that he post a bond in the amount of three million Kenyan shillings or cash bail of 1.5 million shillings.

The court said there was insufficient reason to keep the pastor in custody.

Odero's lawyers acknowledged after his arrest that 15 people died at his church but said the deaths were reported at a police station as required by law.

Police have said there was no evidence at the time to suggest a crime was involved.

Odero is also under investigation for his ties to Paul Mackenzie, the pastor of another church in Kilifi county.

Mackenzie was arrested after emaciated parishioners were found on his property and his followers said he had instructed them to fast to death before the world ends in order to meet Jesus.

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