Gospel singer Hopekid recalls being kicked out of church due to personal scandals

Gospel singer Peter Wambua, popularly known as Hopekid, has shared an emotional account of how he was rejected, barred and thrown out of multiple churches during a difficult period marked by personal scandals, saying the experience made him question the meaning of acceptance within the church.

Speaking during an interview with Alex Mwakideu on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the ‘Chini Kwa Chini’ hitmaker said that despite being a gospel performer, many churches closed their doors to him once his name became associated with controversy, leaving him feeling judged and isolated.

He recalled that even when he attempted to perform on church pulpits, he was repeatedly denied opportunities, with organisers refusing to allow him to minister once they learned of his identity.

“Churches judge people very harshly. During that period, I came to understand that churches preach about forgiveness but the church itself is not. I remember I was going to church and being thrown out; not one church, I was thrown out of many,” he said.

Hopekid further narrated that during that period, he struggled to find platforms to perform gospel music, as even shows that initially invited him would withdraw once his involvement became known.

He said this forced him into a state of emotional confusion, as he had always believed church spaces were meant to offer refuge, forgiveness and restoration.

“I was going for shows, but upon learning it was me, they would say no, I could not perform on the pulpit,” he shared.

“Worldly people showed me love.”

Hopekid further reflected that while he felt rejected in church spaces, he surprisingly found acceptance and encouragement from people outside religious circles, including fellow entertainers.

He recalled moments when DJs and event organisers would invite him to perform at clubs along Kiambu Road, where he says he was welcomed and treated with respect despite his struggles.

According to him, this contrast made him question the role of the church, noting that he had always believed churches should be places of healing for those who are not okay.

“At that time I remember DJ Dela Cream would call me and tell me he was performing at a certain club in Kiambu Road, and he would tell me to go there and make myself happy,” he shared.

He said the experience led him to reflect deeply on the gap between the message of forgiveness preached in church and the treatment he personally received during his difficult season.

Hopekid added that the experience changed his understanding of acceptance, saying it made him rethink where genuine love and support can be found during moments of personal struggle.

“The point is that worldly people show love, but churches don’t, until you even wonder whether you are on the wrong side. But the church is showing hate. On the other hand, worldly people show a lot of love. Then it hit me that church is somewhere you go when you are not okay to seek refuge, but now things are not like that,” the singer said.

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Hopekid graduates from Shenyang Normal University