New Life Prayer Centre and Church founder Pastor Ezekiel Odero has publicly apologized to musician Kevin Bahati after defamatory allegations made during a church service triggered outrage online and prompted the singer to threaten legal action.
The controversy began after a video circulated on social media showing a congregant making serious allegations against Bahati during what appeared to be a church service.
The claims, which accused the musician of involvement in organ harvesting and killings, spread rapidly online despite there being no evidence to support them.
Bahati strongly denied the allegations and demanded accountability from those behind the remarks, warning that he was prepared to pursue legal action to protect his reputation.
Days later, Pastor Ezekiel has addressed the matter during a church service, distancing himself from the controversial claims while extending a public apology to the award-winning musician.
“Bahati, ninakuomba msamaha on behalf of New Life. Kukosea mtu halafu unyamaze si kitu kizuri.”
The preacher said he believes in addressing mistakes directly rather than allowing misunderstandings to escalate.
He revealed that he had personally contacted Bahati before making the public apology in an effort to resolve the matter amicably.
“Sipendi kudharau mtu, nilimpigia.”
According to Pastor Ezekiel, the conversation helped de-escalate the dispute before it could proceed to court.
While apologizing, Pastor Ezekiel explained that the viral audio and video did not originate from the main New Life Prayer Centre and Church congregation that he leads.
Instead, he said the incident occurred at a church overseen by his brother, who manages a separate congregation.
The televangelist added that he chose to apologize on behalf of the wider New Life ministry because he believed it was the right thing to do, regardless of where the remarks originated.
He also clarified that his brother’s congregation operates independently from his own ministry, even though the churches share historical ties.
Pastor Ezekiel further disclosed that the church branch where the controversial testimony was reportedly made is no longer under his jurisdiction.
According to him, the preacher overseeing the Kisii branch broke away from the main New Life ministry but continued using the church’s name without authorization.
He said the continued use of the New Life identity had created confusion among the public, with many assuming every branch operates under his direct leadership.
In response, Pastor Ezekiel announced that breakaway ministers who continue using the New Life name without permission should immediately stop doing so. The directive, he said, is intended to protect both the church’s identity and the public from future misunderstandings.
Before the apology, Bahati had publicly condemned the allegations, describing them as malicious and defamatory. The musician expressed disappointment that such serious accusations could be made during a church service without verification, arguing that the viral video had the potential to cause lasting damage to his reputation and career.
He demanded that those responsible be held accountable and indicated that he was prepared to seek legal redress if the matter was not addressed.
