Meet Pastor Ezekiel Odero, the visionary founder of New Life Church, located in Mavueni, Kilifi County. Married to Sarah Odero, the couple is blessed with three children—two biological and one adopted.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero gained widespread recognition when throngs of Christians began flocking to his Mavueni church seeking prayers, holy water, and consecrated handkerchiefs.
Nestled on an expansive 65-acre property, the Mavueni Church is not only a spiritual haven but also a site where Pastor Odero and his wife are ambitiously developing a multifaceted complex. The complex will include a mall, a university, a restaurant, and accommodations for church staff, their families, and visitors from across the country.
However, Pastor Odero faced a period of public scrutiny when allegations arose linking him to Paul Mackenzie in the Shakaola massacre, where hundreds perished due to starvation in the vast Shakaola forest. Subsequently, he was arrested, and his church was temporarily closed. Despite this setback, he was eventually released, and the church reopened. The Registrar of Societies deregistered the church briefly, but through legal proceedings, Pastor Odero secured Stay Orders to continue its operations.
Delving into Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s early life, he was born on Rusinga Island in Homabay County. Childhood hardships, including nighttime fishing to supplement his mother’s income, impacted his primary school education. After scoring 210 marks in his CPE, his grandfather relocated him to Seme, where he excelled once again.
His educational journey continued at Miwani High School in Chemilil, Kisumu, and later at The Technical University of Mombasa. Financial constraints forced him to drop out after his second year, leading him to engage in masonry work in the coastal county.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s journey took a turn when he met Sarah Odero, whom he later married. Initially met with resistance from his family due to her being a primary school dropout, they eventually accepted her.
His spiritual journey gained momentum when he joined Pastor Pius Muiru’s church in Mombasa, where he played the keyboard and coached the praise and worship team. Pastor Pius Muiru became his spiritual mentor.
After a stint ministering in Shanzu, Mombasa, Pastor Odero and his wife relocated to Mavueni in Kilifi, where they established their church. Over the years, he has cultivated a significant following, drawing thousands of Kenyans to his church for prayers. Notably, he organized a crusade at Kasarani Stadium attended by over 50,000 people, graced by the Second Lady, Dorcas Rigathi.
Expanding his reach, Pastor Odero opened a branch in Kisii, led by his biological brother, and acquired land in Kajiado for the continued growth of New Life Church.
