Revered gospel musician Phyllis Mbuthia has publicly confirmed that she was deported from the United States, putting to rest weeks of speculation following her sudden return to Kenya ahead of scheduled gospel performances.
In videos posted on her TikTok account on Friday, January 2, 2026, Mbuthia acknowledged that US authorities had sent her back. In one clip, she simply stated:
“Pov: Is it true that you were deported? Me: Oh yes.”
To support her statement, she displayed an official document from the US Customs and Border Protection office in Seattle.
The letter indicated a penalty for private use amounting to USD 300, confirming the reports about her run-in with US immigration authorities.
Deportation documents shared by Phyllis Mbuthia. Photo: Screen grab
Mbuthia paired her videos with Jose Wa Bedan’s gospel hit ‘Kirathimo’, a song centered on resilience, surrendering struggles to God, and trusting divine restoration after challenges.
She reflected on the deportation as a sign of her growth, noting that her career had moved beyond local challenges to international matters.
“We have left local issues and now we are dealing with international matters. It is God,” she remarked in one video, expressing gratitude for her journey as both an artiste and minister.
Gospel musician Phyllis Mbuthia. Photo Courtesy:
The news first surfaced on December 30, 2025, when Facebook influencer Irene Mwende reported that Mbuthia had been deported from Seattle due to improper documentation and had returned to Kenya.
Mwende added that the singer had been in the US for a planned gospel ministry tour, which included a crossover performance.
Photo Courtesy: Screen grab
Mbuthia’s confirmation has now ended weeks of uncertainty, reassuring fans who were concerned about her abrupt departure and the status of her tour commitments.