Popular Eldoret-based gospel singer William Getumbe has faulted the government’s decision to close down Pastor Ezekiel Odera’s church.
The church based in Kilifi was closed on Thursday after the arrest of the televangelist over mass deaths of his followers.
But according to Getumbe who doubles up as psychologist and counseling expert, Pastor Ezekiel did not do anything wrong.
He noted that it was not his fault that he has a huge following in the country.
“We are all focused on Shakahola but nobody talks about the fanatical support that some politicians in the country command. Some willing to die for their leaders but nobody speaks about it,” the Psychologist said.
“It is only an issue when it comes to the church,” he added.
Psychologically affected
The gospel singer argues that people have willfully followed Pastor Ezekiel as well as Paul Mackenzie because of the hard economic times and psychological issues.
He also called for the re-opening of the closed church, pointing out that when an individual makes a mistake, punishment should not be to the whole community.
“People have different reasons they subscribe to certain political or religious ideologies. Some are desperate and others psychologically affected, the blame cannot be on the leader if many follow him/her,” he added.
“Why is it that people are usually quick to say the church be closed, and not actions against politicians when their followers are willing to die for them. Where do you want people to go after closing down the church,” he added.
The gospel singer cum counseling expert further insists that religious organizations have bodies mandated to regulate them, which should be allowed to do so instead of the current blanket condemnation.
He also pointed out that is there is a place the police should take action is on the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) for failing to pay artists royalties instead of going after churches.
“I have not been paid royalties up to now, and if there is a place DCI should be looking at is MCSK because they are subjecting artists to psychological torture,” Getumbe said.
