Media personality Joyce Gituro was forced to apologise after facing backlash for defending a senior pastor at the Nairobi Baptist Church.
The church had dismissed the pastor for gross misconduct, and Gituro had commented on the matter.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, August 5, Gituro said that she regretted reacting too quickly to the issue without fully understanding the circumstances surrounding the pastor’s dismissal.
"I shared a comment yesterday, unaware of the full and serious nature of the pastor’s suspension. I assumed it was an internal disciplinary matter and reacted to what seemed like public shaming," Gituro said.
She said that after learning of the full story, she deleted the post. She explains that she firmly stands against any form of abuse and also with the victims.
"Once I learned the truth, I deleted the post. Let me be clear: I stand firmly against all forms of abuse, especially as a mother and a Christian. I stand against any form of abuse and also with the victims. I totally regret my fast reaction to that story," she wrote.
The controversy began on August 4, when Gituro commented on a social media post about the dismissal of a Pastor who was removed from his position by church elders for what they described as serious misconduct.
“So, why put it on social media? You’re damaging a brother more!!” she wrote, sparking online outrage from users who felt her message appeared to defend the accused pastor,” her earlier statement reads.
On August 3, the church released a statement announcing the pastor's dismissal.
"The pastor is no longer serving as the Senior Pastor of Nairobi Baptist Church, effective 1st June 2025. Following serious allegations of misconduct. After careful review of the actions against the biblical responsibility of ordained pastoral ministry."
"The Elders Council has concluded his actions against the biblical responsibility of ordained pastoral ministry. The Elders Council has concluded that his actions are incompatible with his calling to serve as a minister of God and fall short of the conduct expected of ordained pastors," the notice reads.
The church council of elders said that they are working to resolve the matter and help the individuals directly impacted.
"This is a profoundly difficult and painful season for our church community. We are resolved to handle the matter with dignity and care for the well-being of the individuals directly impacted. We stand with them in the pursuit of healing and justice," part of the notice reads.
