Eliud Wekesa Simiyu, a self-proclaimed preacher popularly known as Yesu wa Tongaren, will remain in custody at Bungoma Police Station for an additional four days as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concludes its investigations.
The court issued this ruling on Friday regarding allegations of questionable religious teachings at Wekesa’s New Jerusalem Church.
Originally, the prosecution had requested a seven-day detention period to investigate Wekesa’s home and personal conduct. However, Bungoma Principal Magistrate Tom Mark Olando denied the request and instead instructed the prosecution to complete the investigations within four days.
During this time frame, the police will examine Wekesa’s home, which is considered a potential crime scene, as well as his church. Additionally, the preacher will undergo a mental assessment.
According to an affidavit submitted by Investigating Officer Elijah Acharia on Thursday, Yesu Wa Tongaren faces several charges, including radicalization, money laundering, acquiring, possessing, or using proceeds of crime, and managing an unlawful society.
Furthermore, he is accused of writing or uttering words with the intention to offend religious sentiments, which goes against Section 138 of the Penal Code.
The case is scheduled for mention on May 16, 2023.
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