A Kenyan born pastor is fighting for her life in Canada as she faces the threat of deportation back to the country she escaped due to threats from a powerful religious leader. Reverend Rosalind Wanyeki, who has been serving the Kenyan diaspora community in Toronto for five years, is set to be deported on August 7, despite strong support from the community for her to remain.
Wanyeki fled Kenya with her two young children, who were four years old and eight months old at the time, after experiencing persecution from a senior church official.
Since her arrival in Canada, she founded a church, started a business, and provided significant pastoral and emotional support to over 1,000 members of the Kenyan community.
“I had already built my life here; I had the church and my own business. I have my two kids. I wouldn’t have come this far if I had other choices. Asking me to return is like telling me to die,” Wanyeki shared with Canadian media outlet, City News.
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Campaign to prevent deportation
Local faith leaders and community members have initiated a campaign to prevent her deportation, warning that her removal would create a substantial void in spiritual and emotional support for Kenyan immigrants in Toronto.
“Within our Kenyan community, we depend greatly on clergy like Reverend Rosalind for counseling and mental support. Her departure would sever a lifeline that many rely on,” stated Reverend John Munywoki, a fellow clergy member.
Advocates from the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change are also urging the Canadian government to fulfill its 2021 commitment to regularize undocumented migrants.
They contend that the current system is failing individuals like Wanyeki, who have made meaningful contributions to Canadian society.
While Wanyeki’s application for permanent residency and risk assessment is still pending in the courts, community leaders are concerned that the deportation could occur before a final ruling is made. They are calling on immigration authorities to pause the process until all legal options have been explored.