A popular Kenyan preacher, Pastor Ezekiel Odero, has called off his planned crusade in Meru County. The decision came after the county government asked him to pay Ksh 3.6 million to use Kinoru Stadium.
The pastor described the fee as pure extortion. He said no other county has ever charged him such a high amount. According to him, even major cities like Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa have never demanded that kind of money.
Pastor Ezekiel now says he will take his crusade to another country instead. He accused the Meru county leadership of commercializing the Christian faith. He added that it was surprising because the governor of Meru is also a reverend.
Many of his followers have expressed disappointment. They say the demand makes it hard for believers to gather and worship freely. The preacher has not yet announced which country he will move to next.