Nairobi, Kenya- By all accounts, Rosalind Wanyeki, known affectionately in her Toronto faith circles as Reverend Hadassah, has built a meaningful life in Canada.
Since arriving in 2020, the Kenyan-born preacher has not only raised her two young daughters in the safety of a new country but also founded a gospel ministry that has become a cornerstone for African immigrant families navigating new beginnings.
But now, all of that is at risk. This week, Wanyeki faces a looming deportation order scheduled for August 7, 2025, after Canadian immigration authorities denied her asylum claim and humanitarian residency application.
Wanyeki’s journey began with a desperate need to escape what she described as “severe persecution” in Kenya.
While the details of her claims remain undisclosed publicly, she’s been unwavering in asserting that returning home would be akin to a death sentence.
“I didn’t come to Canada to run from life — I came to preserve it,” she said in a recent emotional appeal.
Once in Canada, Wanyeki quickly integrated into Toronto’s African diaspora. She founded Prayer Reign International Church, drawing in scores of immigrant families looking for familiarity, comfort, and spiritual nourishment.
Her ministry became more than a church — it was a resource hub for immigrants adjusting to life in a new land.
Through programs like Sauti Yetu and partnerships with the Kenya Canadian Association, she helped connect newcomers to housing, food, school programs, and legal advice. Her children, aged six and nine, began school in Toronto and know no other home but Canada.
In emotional interviews and church gatherings, she’s pleaded for compassion.
“My girls are Canadian in every way except on paper. Their lives are here — their school, their friends, their community,” she said.
“Uprooting them will destroy everything they’ve ever known.”
Advocates agree. Many have argued that deporting her would not just remove a parent but deny two innocent children the stability and care they need. Several community members point out that Canada prides itself on being a beacon of compassion, particularly toward women and children fleeing violence.
Since her case went public, support for Wanyeki has swelled across the country. Multiple petitions have been launched online, including one by the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, which has gathered thousands of signatures in under a week.
Social justice organizations, faith leaders, and even immigration lawyers have stepped forward to offer assistance, calling for a stay on the deportation.
“She is exactly the kind of person Canada should be fighting to protect, not expel,” said Eunice Mbugua, a fellow pastor and immigrant advocate. “Her impact in the community is measurable. And her children — they deserve better than this uncertainty.”
The calls have been loud, but so far, Canadian authorities have remained unmoved. The immigration department has not offered specific reasons for denying Wanyeki’s residency, citing confidentiality policies. Appeals to local MPs have yet to yield any public response.
As the August 7 deadline looms, Wanyeki remains in limbo — packing bags she hopes she won’t have to carry.
Despite her fear, she continues to preach, sing, and stand with her congregation. “Even now, I believe in miracles,” she told her church last Sunday. “But we also need voices. We need people to stand up — not just for me, but for all mothers facing the same nightmare.”
For now, Wanyeki waits — and prays. And thousands across Canada wait with her.