Audio By Carbonatix
A controversial Kenyan preacher has been summoned by police as the government cracks down on what it calls rogue churches and extremist religious leaders.
Eliud Wekesa, popularly known as "Jesus of Tongaren", the leader of the New Jerusalem sect, was summoned on Tuesday for questioning about his suspicious religious teachings.
He has led members of his church to believe that he is Jesus. Mr Wekesa has 12 disciples named after the descendants of the biblical Jacob.
He is expected to appear before police in the western county of Bungoma on Wednesday.
The preacher, however, says he has done nothing wrong to warrant an arrest, adding that he only spreads the gospel, local media reported.
This comes as investigators on Tuesday exhumed 21 more bodies in the coastal Kilifi county, bringing the total of those known to have died in the doomsday cult to 133.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church based in Kilifi, is awaiting trial, amid accusations of ordering his followers to starve themselves to death.
Hundreds of others have been reported missing.
President William Ruto has formed a commission of inquiry to probe the now-called Shakahola cult deaths in Kilifi county.
Police in the neighbouring Kwale county on Monday rescued 200 people, including 50 children, from a forest in a suspected case of religious kidnapping.
Latest Stories
-
Feed Ghana, feed industry – Deputy Agric Minister Dumelo outlines new direction
29 minutes -
Agric glut was political, not strategic – Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana boss warns of lost livelihoods
54 minutes -
Food glut situation is no victory – Chamber for Agricbusiness Ghana CEO warns
1 hour -
Was Prince Harry referencing Trump in joke for Late Show sketch?
2 hours -
Arrest over fire petition stirs public debate in Hong Kong
2 hours -
Man who killed ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe apologises to his family
2 hours -
Police recover $19k Fabergé egg swallowed by NZ man
2 hours -
Ireland among countries boycotting Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete
2 hours -
Grand jury declines to charge Letitia James after first case dismissed
3 hours -
Tanzanian activist blocked from Instagram after mobilising election protests
3 hours -
‘Not becoming of a president’: Somali-Americans respond to Trump’s ‘garbage’ remarks
3 hours -
More than 300 flights cancelled as Indian airline IndiGo faces ‘staff shortage’
3 hours -
Top UK scientist says research visa restrictions endanger economy
3 hours -
‘I’m not afraid of death, only poverty’ – Peter Okoye
3 hours -
‘We’re coming to save you’ – Teni on 2Face’s distress call
4 hours
