Kenyan media personality and gospel singer Grace Ekirapa has opened up about the emotional struggles she faced in church after rumours about her separation from husband Pascal Tokodi spread online.
“People Did Not Want Me on the Pulpit”
Grace revealed that after news about the breakdown of her marriage became public about three years ago, she experienced painful treatment from some members of her local church despite having served faithfully for years.
She recalled being summoned by one of her pastors, who informed her that certain congregants were uncomfortable seeing her continue ministering on the pulpit following the divorce rumours.
“Grace, some people in the church do not feel so good about you being in the pulpit still,” she recalled being told.
The revelation left her devastated and fearful that she could be removed from ministry or even pushed out of the church entirely.
Pastor Supported Her Through Difficult Season
Despite the criticism from some church members, Grace praised her pastor for standing by her during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
According to her, the pastor assured her that the church would not force her to step down unless she personally chose to do so.
Grace said serving in church became one of the few things helping her remain emotionally stable during the separation.
“This is the one thing that is sane for me right now, please do not take this away from me,” she said.
Felt Isolated After News Went Public
The media personality further described how attitudes towards her changed dramatically after the divorce rumours surfaced.
She said people who previously praised and encouraged her suddenly became distant and judgmental.
According to Grace, some congregants stopped greeting her or interacting with her the same way they did before the news became public.
She described the experience as deeply painful and said it exposed dysfunction within some sections of the church community.
Public Reactions
Grace’s remarks have sparked conversations online about how churches and religious communities handle members going through divorce, separation and other personal struggles.
Many Kenyans have praised her honesty and vulnerability, while others have called for more compassion and support for individuals facing difficult life transitions.
