Former TV presenter Grace Ekirapa has opened up about what she describes as painful and emotionally draining treatment from some church members following her divorce from actor Pascal Tokodi.
She says individuals who once referred to her as a “blessing” shifted their attitude once news of the separation became public, with some questioning her continued role in the pulpit as a divorced woman.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Grace recalled being called in for a private conversation by her pastor after concerns were raised within the congregation.
“Three years ago, after news went out that I was not in my marriage anymore, I got some treatment that was very saddening. I serve in my local church, and I have served in my local church for a long time. In fact, when I was still married, I was serving, but when the news came out, unfortunately, people did not like that I was still serving,” she said.
The change, she added, left her hurt and uncertain about her place within a community she had long served.
“I remember one time being called by one of my pastors and he sat me down and said, ‘Grace, some people in the church do not feel so good about you being in the pulpit still,’” she said.
Grace admitted she feared being sidelined and becoming “another statistic” of those quietly pushed out of ministry after personal struggles become public.
However, she says her pastor offered reassurance and support, asking her whether she was still comfortable serving and affirming her place in the church.
“I thank God for my pastor then because he said, ‘Grace, we do not want you to sit down unless that is what you want. Are you comfortable serving?’” she said.
She noted that continuing to serve in church became a key source of stability during her divorce, helping her cope emotionally and stay grounded.
Her post, which Tokodi has yet to react on, drew reactions online, with some users offering encouragement and others commenting on experiences within church communities.
Ekirapa and Tokodi quietly separated in 2023 after three years of marriage, reportedly moving into separate houses due to financial strains.
The couple, who wed in 2020 and share a daughter, faced mounting pressure trying to sustain a high-end lifestyle.
Speculation peaked when they stopped posting joint content and making public appearances.
Both stars initially maintained silence on the split as they adjusted to co-parenting apart, marking an abrupt end to one of Kenya's most admired celebrity couples.