Tanzanian authorities on Friday released Pastor Julius ole Kuyioni from police custody after his arrest on July 7 on the Kenya/Tanzania border.
Kuyioni was arrested as he attempted to cross over to Loliondo in Tanzania on July 7 at the invitation of several churches in that country.
Kuyioni was released on Friday night and was escorted by Tanzanian security agents to the Kenya/Tanzania border in Namanga.
“I wish to officially report that Pastor Kuyioni is now a free man and has crossed over to Kenya through the Namanga border post,” said Taiko ole Lemayian at 11 pm on Friday.
Lemayian, who is the leader of the team that negotiated for Kuyioni’s release, told the Star the preacher after paying a fine imposed on him by authorities in Tanzania for allegedly being found in that country illegally.
“Our pastor is healthy and in good spirit. He greets us all and is very thankful for all your efforts,” said Lemayian.
Lemayian went on: “We wish to respect his opinion that we should not amplify this matter until he is safely at home with his family and church members.”
Lemayian on Saturday thanked the Maasai Unity Agenda team led by Jonathan ole Pasha for tirelessly running the “release Kuyioni” campaign.
“We also wish to sincerely thank all of you for your prayers and support to the family. I may not be able to mention all of you but that doesn’t mean your contribution to the strategy was not appreciated,” said Lemayian.
He singled out Ambassador Moi Lemoshira, Captain (Rtd) Saitoti ole Maika, Commissioner Ole Muyaki, Al Hajj Hassan ole Naado, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and the Inter-Faith Council of Kenya and Tanzania, Maasai bishops and pastors’ fellowships for pushing for the release of Pastor Kuyioni.
Others involved were Habakuk Sankok, John ole Muyiaki, Bishop Joshua Ntitika, Bishop Dr Peter Nakola, lawyer Yonas Masiaya of Tanzania and Archbishop Gadiel Lenini of ACK.
“Especially, we thank the Tanzanian Christians who worked day and night to try and secure the freedom of our brother,” said Lemayian.
He said they provided him with hot meals, spiritual nourishment, and financial support while he was in police custody in Arusha.
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