Court Sets Free ‘Yesu wa Tongaren’

A Bungoma Court has freed Eliud Wekesa Simiyu famously known as Yesu wa Tongaren, after being detained for four days.

In the Tuesday, May 16 ruling, Judge Tom Mark Orlando stated that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence before the court to charge the controversial preacher.

Moreover, the judge ordered police officers not to interfere with his church activities in Tongaren.

The prosecution had requested for the self-proclaimed Jesus to be detained, to allow investigations into his religious sect.

The prosecution claimed his sect has questionable teachings.

The police wanted to search through Yesu wa Tongaren’s home which they alleged is a crime scene, as well as his church. They further asked to have the preacher undergo a mental assessment.

Nonetheless, the controversial preacher welcomed the court’s ruling. His lawyers asked the government to stop harassing religious leaders as everyone is free to worship according to article 32 of the constitution.

Also Read: ‘Yesu Wa Tongaren’ Summoned for Questioning

Roots Party Leader George Wajackoyah, represented ‘Yesu wa Tongaren’ in court alongside Lawyer Simiyu Wamalwa

The self-proclaimed Jesus who leads a sect of over 200 followers was accused of unlawful operation of an unregistered society, radicalization, and money laundering.

Eliud Wekesa’s freedom comes a day after a section of Bungoma County legislators demanded his release.

The legislators led by Tongaren MP John Chikati, said the preacher’s release should include no bond terms.

“We ask that he be released without any conditions, and without bond term. He should be released on free bond,” he said.

The lawmakers said Wekesa presented no harm, adding that he is a poor man who cannot be associated with money laundering.

“He is praying for ‘Papa Wa Roma’ (Referring to Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula) to be the President of Kenya. Release him,” Chikati said.