In Kenya Religious Sisters Helps In Combating Addictions As The ‘Friends Of The Drunkards’.

Timau, Kenya; January 2026: 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, a congregation that manages the centre. 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.

Holy Innocents BPSS Centre is a faith-based rehabilitation and psychiatric care facility committed to transform lives through holistic healing. Founded by the Bishop of Meru and operated by the Servants of the Holy Innocents Sisters, the centre responds to the growing need for compassionate, specialized care for individuals battling substance abuse and mental health conditions.

The Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual (BPSS) model is practiced, addressing the full spectrum of human needs, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Our approach combines faith, professional therapy, and medical treatment to restore dignity and hope.

The Centre offers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, individual and group counselling, psychiatric reviews, detoxification, family therapy, and life skills training. Located within Timau Catholic Parish along the Meru–Nanyuki Highway, they serve people from all walks of life with compassion, professionalism, and love, with their motto, “Heal Self. Heal Others”, reflecting in their commitment to empower individuals to reclaim their purpose and positively impact their communities.

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 Sister Purity. “Everyone has a role to play. And we always pray for more partners and people of goodwill to join us”, noted Sister Purity.

At the clinical level, the centre offers structured and individualised 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, and their 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.

Sister 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. Sister 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”.

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.

Team Maverick.