New Life Church pastor jailed for defiling a minor in an old car parked near his church

 

 Robert Jefwa Kalama, 40, New Life Church pastor in Mombasa

A pastor in Mombasa has been taken into custody for the alleged defilement of a juvenile girl, who was 15 years old at the time.

When he stood before Mombasa senior resident magistrate Rita Orora, Robert Jefwa Kalama, 40, a pastor at New Life Prayer Centre and Church, which was established by controversial preacher Pastor Ezekiel Odero, pleaded not guilty to accusations of defilement.

In addition to this, he was hit with a second offence for engaging in actions that were inappropriate with a child.

The court was told that Kalama had assaulted the juvenile on many occasions in Jomvu, which is located within Mombasa County, on various dates between 2021 and January 2023.

After the victim attended a religious service throughout the week, the suspect is accused of pressuring her to commit the claimed crime via coercion.

The court also heard that the defendant abused the youngster in his home as well as inside an unoccupied matatu and that he subsequently threatened her with grave repercussions if she ever told anybody about the physical assaults she had endured.

On the other hand, a member of the congregation who noticed odd spots on the girl's clothing informed the girl's parents of the situation.

During her questioning, the girl revealed all relevant information, which ultimately led to the suspect's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

A surety bond in the amount of Ksh200,000 was required before the suspect could be discharged from custody.

On June 6, a preliminary hearing will be held in which the issue will be further discussed.