Yesu Wa Tongaren Detained

Eliud Wekesa, popularly known as Yesu wa Tongaren, has been detained hours after he was grilled at the Bungoma Divisional Police Headquarters by police.

Yesu wa Tongaren was to be arraigned in court in Bungoma after officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) requested more time to interrogate him.

Wekesa had voluntarily presented himself to the police on Wednesday, May 10 following a summons for questioning over his teachings and religious activities.

The DCI officers had thereafter questioned him over his doctrine, indoctrinating the faithful and holding children against their will, allegations the viral deacon denied.

Yesu wa Tongaren at a Bungoma court on May 11, 2023. /TWITTER.CITIZEN DIGITAL

While accompanied by his followers, Wekesa pleaded not to be arrested, stating that he had nothing to hide. However, the police insisted on holding him for further interrogation to guide the next course of action.

"I came because the OCS told me the county commander wanted to have a talk with me further, as such, honoured the summons," Yesu wa Tongaren explained after appearing before the police.

Police added that they would forward his file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) who would advise them on the next course of action.

The controversial preacher had on Monday, May 8 claimed that he does nothing except preach the true gospel.

The deacon had also convinced the police that children under his ministry attended school and are treated in hospitals, as per the law.

"The other question was about children being treated at hospitals, and it was ascertained that they do. Doctors treat, and God heals. I cannot oppose those given power by God, to treat.

"Police have not harassed me. Some say that I was arrested, but all those are false allegations," he clarified.

He was also questioned regarding the registration of his church and responded by noting that it was an ongoing process.

Wekesa remained tight-lipped on whether or not he would hire a lawyer to defend him against legal attacks owing to his religious beliefs.

"My lawyers will be the sun and the moon since I have wronged no man. And when I say sun, it's a parable. I shall leave it to you to understand it yourselves," he stated. 

He further argued that he was not one to commit crimes, affirming that he was a man of God with a no-nonsense tolerance to criminal acts, quoting a Bible verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 8 verse 5 in defending claims he was ordained to spread the Good News.

"According to that bible verse, the law only applies to the guilty. In my entire missionary work, ever since I began my ministry at 30 years, to this day, at 42 years, I have committed no crimes. 

"I am only commandeering God's holy ship and I'm doing it from a prophetic angle," he added as he called on the police to take a keen scrutiny of his Church.

The New Jerusalem Church leader grabbed the country's attention after claiming that he signified the much-talked-about second coming of the Messiah, further noting that he had performed miracles, bragging about transforming drinking water into a cup of tea and having a group of 12 disciples.

Kenyans could not help but make fun of his pronouncements, with some suggesting he should suffer the same fate as Jesus did in the Bible, crucifixion.

Yesu wa Tongaren and his disciples in Bungoma County. /FILE