Revered Kikuyu gospel singer Phyllis Mbuthia has addressed widespread rumours and confirmed that she was deported from the United States, just days before key gospel performances. The news had sparked concern among fans after her sudden return to Kenya.
Mbuthia shared the confirmation through a series of TikTok videos on Friday, January 2, 2026, candidly admitting that US authorities had indeed sent her back.
In one clip, she wrote, “Pov: Is it true that you were deported? Me: Oh yes.” To support her statement, the singer displayed an official letter from the US Customs and Border Protection office in Seattle, detailing a penalty for private use amounting to USD 300.
The letter read: “US Customs and Border Protection, 1000 2nd Avenue, Suite 2100, Seattle, WA 98104–1020. Official business. Penalty for private use: USD 300,” confirming reports of her run-in with US immigration authorities.
Throughout the videos, Mbuthia used Jose Wa Bedan’s hit song Kirathimo, which speaks about resilience, surrendering burdens to God, letting go of regret, and trusting divine restoration after hardship.
The song’s message about returning to God after difficult seasons and receiving renewed blessings resonated with her audience, given her situation.
In another TikTok video, Mbuthia took a positive outlook on the deportation, reflecting on her career’s growth and the challenges that now span international borders.
“We have left local issues and now we are dealing with international matters. It is God,” she wrote. She emphasized that the incident, though disappointing, shows that her musical and ministerial journey has reached a global level, and she credited God for guiding her through every stage of her career.
Fans have since sent messages of support, praising her humility and faith as she navigates this unexpected challenge while maintaining focus on her ministry and future performances.
