Kenyan media personality Joyce Gituro faces intense backlash after commenting on a social media post regarding Nairobi Baptist Church’s dismissal of Senior Pastor Munendi Mulandi over allegations of sexually abusing minors.
Gituro’s now-deleted remark, “So, why put it on social media? You’re damaging a brother more!!” appeared to defend Mulandi, prompting widespread criticism for seemingly downplaying the gravity of the accusations.
The controversy, which erupted following the church’s August 3 announcement, led Gituro to disable comments on her recent posts and issue a public apology as public outrage grew.
Joyce Gituro, a well-known radio presenter and Chief Officer in Machakos County, sparked the controversy when she responded to Nairobi Baptist Church’s statement on X, which confirmed Mulandi’s removal effective June 1, 2025, due to serious misconduct allegations.
The church’s Elders Council, after reviewing claims including inappropriate conduct with minors, revoked Mulandi’s ordination, stating his actions were “incompatible with the calling of a servant of Jesus Christ”.
Gituro’s comment, posted shortly after, suggested the church’s public disclosure was unnecessary and harmful, igniting a firestorm online.
Critics on X accused her of prioritising Mulandi’s reputation over victims’ justice as users demanded accountability.
The Nairobi Baptist Church scandal has gripped Kenya, with allegations against Mulandi, appointed as the ninth Senior Pastor in November 2020, including claims of sexual abuse involving church boys and vulnerable congregants.
A whistleblower alleged that church elders initially attempted to cover up the issue by proposing to relocate Mulandi to Europe, a claim the church has not addressed.
Instead, the leadership announced an independent investigation and forwarded the matter to law enforcement, emphasising transparency and support for those affected.
Mulandi, who resigned after confirming an encounter but denying wrongdoing, has not publicly responded, leaving the controversy unresolved.
Gituro’s swift deletion of her comment and restriction of replies did little to quell the outrage. In a follow-up apology on August 5, 2025, she admitted to reacting without full knowledge of the allegations, assuming the issue was an internal disciplinary matter.
“I shared a comment yesterday, unaware of the full and serious nature of the pastor’s suspension,” she stated on X, emphasising her stance against abuse as a mother and Christian.
While some accepted her apology, others argued it fell short, with users questioning her sincerity, suggesting her public persona often feels performative rather than transformative.
The allegations against Munendi Mulandi have fuelled public demand for transparency, with Kenyans on X calling for a thorough investigation.
Posts like those from Richard Kavila urged the church to publicise findings to ensure justice, while Henry Imbilu questioned the elders’ decision to excommunicate Mulandi before completing investigations.
The church, a prominent Nairobi institution since 1958, appointed Pastor Pinto Kali as acting senior pastor and Pastor Evans Mutambi as acting lead pastor, signalling a focus on healing and accountability.
Counselling services and confidential reporting channels have been established to support affected congregants as the community navigates this “painful season”.
Joyce Gituro’s career, spanning roles at Radio Citizen, Milele FM, and Radio Jambo, has made her a household name, but her personal history, including a marriage disrupted by a controversial church, adds irony to her current predicament.
Her 2020 revelation about leaving her husband due to a questionable church’s influence resurfaced, with some accusing her of hypocrisy for seemingly defending Mulandi.
As a single mother and former actress in Tausi, Gituro’s influence is significant, making her misstep particularly contentious. The Nairobi Baptist Church controversy, coupled with Gituro’s social media misstep, shows the challenges of navigating public discourse on sensitive issues like sexual abuse allegations, with calls for greater sensitivity and accountability echoing across Kenya’s digital landscape.
