Toronto Clergy and Migrant Advocates Rally Against Deportation of Reverend Wanyeki

Reverend Rosalind Wanyeki, a Kenyan pastor integral to Toronto’s diaspora, is scheduled for deportation from Canada on 7 August 2025, alongside her two daughters. 

This has triggered widespread concern among immigrant support networks and religious leaders. The deportation order comes despite Wanyeki's claims of religious persecution in Kenya and her deep integration within the local community.

Wanyeki fled Kenya, alleging threats incited by a prominent church figure, and has since established a vital role supporting vulnerable families, particularly those navigating migration. 

Advocates assert that her deportation would endanger her safety and dismantle a crucial support system for hundreds who rely on her pastoral guidance. Diana Da Silva, of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, emphasises Wanyeki's extensive commitment, saying, "She provides countless hours of support in person and online." 

The community has rallied to prevent her removal with a Change.org petition highlighting her role in founding a local church and business, plus her mentoring of newcomers. Reverend John Munyoki, representing local clergy, warns of the strain such removals place on communities. 

"We rely on our clergy for counselling, emotional and mental support. When the system removes one of our clergy, they are depleting our resources," he said. 

He further explains the reach of her support networks, "Because you remove one—for example, they remove Reverend Rosalind—she is serving over 1,000 people by herself. Who else is going to come and step in?”

Wanyeki’s daughters, aged six and ten, have spent most of their lives in Canada, and supporters contend their deportation would sever their ties to their only home, placing them in a country where their safety cannot be guaranteed. Wanyeki has expressed despair at the prospect of returning to Kenya. 

"If you want me to go back to Kenya, honestly, kill me here," she declared.

The Canadian government has not yet formally responded to the petition or the appeals from religious and community figures.