Kenya: Religious sisters help battle addiction as ‘Friends of the Drunkards’
By Sr Michelle Njeri, OSF
The Holy Innocents BPSS Centre is a faith-based rehabilitation and psychiatric care facility founded by Bishop Salesius Mugambi, Bishop of the Diocese of Meru, and Sr. Veronica Nkirote Rukunga, the foundress of the Servants of the Holy Innocents Sisters, the congregation that manages the center.
Founded in 2021, the centre serves as a response to one of Kenya’s most urgent social crises: alcohol and drug addiction, and rising mental health challenges.
With a mission to heal the wounded in society with love, mercy, and compassion without being judgmental, the sisters have created a safe space where pain meets purpose, and brokenness is met with hope.
A mission born in faith and compassion
Sr. Veronica Nkirote Rukunga shares more about the congregation and the reasons for establishing the centre: “The congregation of the Holy Innocent sisters responds to the needs of the most wounded members of society. Our charism is inspired by Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood by her suffering son, just as the sisters now stand with those battling addiction and mental illness.”
“Since the beginning so many people have come for treatment and been reintegrated into the community. We, the Servants of Holy Innocents sisters, are confronting the Herods of today: alcohol and drug abuse,” she added.
The Holy Innocents BPSS Centre operates 24-hours-a-day, offering holistic care under the four pillars of BPSS: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. The approach ensures that clients are treated not just physically but holistically, with dignity and compassion.
Healing the body, mind, and soul
The services offered at the centre are wide-ranging and intentional. Sr. Purity Mathenge, the Administrator, explains the scope of their work at the centre.
“Since 2021, we have offered inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, psychiatric care, individual and group therapy, medical detox, and spiritual guidance,” she says.
Since then, sisters have witnessed people’s lives transform. “One man we took from the streets is now employed, and another who recovered is now part of our staff. These milestones keep us going,” says Sr. Purity.
Their team includes psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, lab technologists, counsellors, and social workers. “Everyone has a role to play. And we always pray for more partners and people of goodwill to join us,” notes Sr. Purity.
Science and professional care meet spiritual healing
At the clinical level, the centre offers structured and individualized care.
Kelvin Mwega, a clinical psychologist and the Head of Clinical Services at the centre, explained: “We conduct lab tests for vital organs like the liver and kidneys before admission. Based on individual needs, we offer medically assisted detox and therapy that includes biological, psychological, social, and spiritual support.”
Family therapy and life skills training are also part of the program.
“After discharge, we do home visits and follow-ups to help avoid relapse”, shares Mr. Mwega. His motivation is deeply personal. “What drives me is seeing people recover, people others had already written off. It gives me hope and courage. No case is beyond repair. It’s just a matter of time. Rehabilitation works.”
A community that cares
This life-changing work has inspired many outside the convent walls to join the mission.
Vincent Mutwiri, a lay associate of the congregation, is among them. “We support the Servants of the Holy Innocents sisters because their charism is unique and urgently needed,” he says. “We go where the sisters cannot go by doing sensitization, outreach, and advocacy in the community.”
The sisters are often called ‘Friends of the Drunkards.’ Mr. Mutwiri says that it is the title they wear with humility. “Their love is saving lives, and the community sees it,” he says.
Sr. Joan: ‘You are not alone’
Sr. Joan Nyakato, caregiver at the centre, urges those struggling with addiction or mental health issues to reach out and share their difficulties with others. “Reach out, let’s talk about it. We all need a sober mind and a sober life. It’s not the end of life; you are not alone. We are ready to hold your hand,” she says.
Sr. Joan adds: “Everyone is welcome to offer time, resources, or strength. Together, we can fill the gap and help our brothers and sisters find freedom from addiction.”
A call to compassion
In a world where addiction and mental illness often carry stigma and silence, the sisters, their staff, and their lay collaborators are showing Kenya and the world that no one is beyond redemption.
Their call is simple and urgent: let us walk together toward a sober, healed, and compassionate society, one life at a time.
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