Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly opposed any move by the State to regulate or control churches, saying such actions threaten religious freedom in Kenya.
He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing congregants at Gospel Tabernacle Worship Centre in Nairobi.
In a statement later shared on X, Kalonzo used biblical references to criticise leadership he said lacks moral authority.
Quoting Hosea 8:4 and Ezekiel 21:25–26, the former Vice President argued that leadership imposed without righteousness and humility cannot stand.
Kalonzo told the congregation that although Kenyans made a choice at the ballot, the country is now facing the consequences of leadership that, in his view, is not guided by moral values.
He linked national instability to what he described as a failure to respect God’s order in leadership.
The remarks come against the backdrop of renewed debate on the regulation of religious institutions, following deaths linked to cult activities, including the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County. In response, the government has previously floated proposals to tighten oversight of churches and other religious groups.
Kalonzo rejected that approach, saying cult activities should not be used as a blanket excuse to interfere with mainstream churches.
“You cannot use the existence of a cult as an excuse to tax, police, or interfere with the true church of Christ,” he said, adding that wrongdoing by fake preachers should not be used against genuine faith leaders.
He also took aim at politicians who seek prayers and church support during campaigns but later back policies that weaken the church. Without naming names, Kalonzo described such conduct as hypocritical.
The Wiper leader called for repentance, truth, and justice, warning that authority without moral grounding would eventually collapse.