Revered Kikuyu gospel artist Phyllis Mbuthia has publicly confirmed that she was deported from the United States, putting to rest weeks of speculation and concern over her sudden return to Kenya ahead of key gospel performances.
Mbuthia addressed the matter through a series of TikTok videos shared on Friday, January 2, 2026. In one clip, she acknowledged the deportation plainly:
“Pov: Is it true that you were deported? Me: Oh yes,” she wrote.
To support her admission, Mbuthia displayed an official notice from the US Customs and Border Protection office in Seattle, which indicated a penalty for private use totaling USD 300. The document validated reports that she had encountered issues with US immigration authorities.
“US Customs and Border Protection, 1000 2nd Avenue, Suite 2100, Seattle, WA 98104–1020. Official business. Penalty for private use: USD 300,” read the cover of the letter shown by Mbuthia.
In her TikTok videos, Mbuthia set her message to Jose Wa Bedan’s hit song Kirathimo, a gospel track about resilience, letting go of burdens, and trusting divine restoration after difficult seasons.
Turning Challenges into a Positive Message
Reflecting on the development, Mbuthia framed the deportation as a sign of her growing international reach. She noted that challenges she once faced locally had now escalated to global matters, crediting God for her journey as an artiste and minister.
“We have left local issues and now we are dealing with international matters. It is God,” she said in one video.
Speculation and Public Concern
The confirmation follows widespread speculation sparked by Facebook influencer Irene Mwende on December 30, 2025. Mwende had reported that Mbuthia was deported from Seattle due to alleged improper documentation and had returned to Kenya.
“UPDATE | Gospel musician Phyllis Mbuthia has returned to the country following her deportation from Seattle, United States, over alleged improper documentation,” Mwende wrote.
At the time, neither Mbuthia nor her management had issued an official statement, leaving fans anxious and fueling online speculation. Mbuthia had been scheduled for a gospel ministry tour in the US, including a crossover performance in Seattle, before the deportation occurred.
Mbuthia’s transparency has since reassured fans and highlighted the unpredictable challenges gospel artistes face while performing internationally, while also emphasizing her faith and resilience amid adversity.
