Pastor Ezekiel Odero left his massive congregation in tears this week when he announced that God had told him straight up: he’ll die this February.
The leader of New Life Prayer Centre and Church dropped the bombshell during a recent sermon at his sprawling compound in Mavueni, Kilifi County. Thousands packed the place as usual, expecting the usual fire and miracles.
Instead, they got this heavy news. “God spoke to me,” he said calmly from the pulpit. “He told me I will leave this world in February.” Some people gasped. Others started crying right there in the seats.
This isn’t the first time Pastor Ezekiel has talked about his own death. Back in early 2024, he made a similar claim, saying God had set February that year as his time.
When March rolled around and he was still preaching, he told followers that intense prayers and a big crusade changed things. God heard the cries and gave him more time, he explained. Now, with February 2026 here, the same talk is back, and people wonder if history will repeat.
The church grounds in Mavueni look like a small town these days. Huge red-roofed buildings, manicured lawns, flags flying – it’s grown big under his watch. Buses bring followers from all over Kenya for services that go on for hours.
Pastor Ezekiel built his name on healing prayers and bold messages. But he’s no stranger to tough times. A few years back, police arrested him over links to the Shakahola cult deaths. He spent time in court, but charges didn’t stick, and he walked free. Supporters say it was persecution; critics still raise eyebrows.
Reactions hit social media hard after clips of the sermon spread. Some faithful rushed to pray harder, organising fasts and vigils. “We won’t let it happen,” one woman posted. “God can change it again.”
Others sounded sceptical. Comments called it a way to stir emotion or boost attendance. A few even worried out loud about what comes next for the church if something does happen.
Out in Kilifi, locals had mixed feelings. One boda boda rider near the church gate shrugged and said, “He’s said this before. We’ll see.” An older mama selling fruits nearby got emotional. “That man has helped so many. If God calls him, we thank Him for the time we had.”
Pastor Ezekiel didn’t give an exact date or details on how. He just shared the message and moved on with the service, calling for more faith. His team hasn’t put out an official statement yet. Phone calls to church offices went unanswered, but services carry on as normal.
Stories like this pull at people. In a country where faith runs deep, preachers hold real sway. Followers give money, time, everything, believing in the man and the message. When he talks about leaving soon, it hits home. Families pray together. Some travel to Mavueni just to be there.
Whatever folks think – true vision or something else – the claim got everyone talking. February just started, and eyes stay on Pastor Ezekiel. Will prayers push it back again? Or is this the real deal?
For now, the church keeps filling up, songs keep rising, and the man keeps preaching like tomorrow is promised. In Mavueni, life goes on under the coastal sun. But this February feels different. Heavy with questions no one can answer yet.
