Ex-Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama has defended the government over its decision to deregister some churches.
Muthama said there was nothing sinister about it but just a move aimed at protecting Kenyans.
Muthama, a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission, said the government takes action after thorough investigations hence, it should not be viewed as a witch-hunt.
"The government is doing a thorough investigation on these churches in a bid to protect the lives of its citizens. Whether it is a party, church or anything which can endanger the lives of citizens of this country, the government must take action," he said.
According to Muthama, some individuals are misusing the freedom of worship as enshrined in the Constitution to exploit Kenyans instead of focusing on preaching the word of God forcing the government to rein in rogue preachers and churches.
"We have churches in our country engaging in spiritual nourishment but those deregistered have been found with suspicious activities," he said.
Speaking in Makueni, Muthama however asked the government to ensure the rule of law; fairness and justice prevail when dealing with such rogue preachers and churches.
The state last week deregistered five churches including suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie's Goodnews International Ministries and flamboyant millionaire Pastor Ezekiel Odero's Newlife Prayer Center.
According to a notice by the Registrar of Societies dated August 18, the government also deregistered Bishop Thomas Wahome's Helicopter of Christ Church.
Others are Theophilus Church in Nairobi and Kings Outreach Church.
Lawyers representing the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness have however maintained that the deregistration of Kings Outreach is not connected to the Shakahola incident.
Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni who is part of the legal team representing the church associated with Prophet David Awuor said members made a resolution to fold it.
"We want to make it categorically clear that the cancellation of the church was done pursuant to Section 12 (1) (f) of the Societies Act which empowers the Registrar to cancel such registration upon dissolution of the society," Omogeni said.
He stated that the process started back in 2019 and was sealed last December in an Annual General Meeting attended by over 20,000 members.
The decision to dissolve, he said, was informed by advice for ease of tax management and consolidation.