In the heart of Poror village in Eldama Ravine Constituency, a transformative movement is quietly taking place in the midst of widespread alcohol and drug addiction. The village, where nearly every household shelters at least one addict, has found an unexpected sanctuary in Upendo Fellowship Church. Founded by Reverend Lawrence Bomet, a reformed alcoholic, the church offers a space where individuals battling addiction can worship, find dignity, and begin their journey of recovery without fear of condemnation.
Reverend Bomet, whose own struggles with alcoholism mirror those of many villagers, has made it his mission not to judge but to uplift those suffering from addiction. “Most of these people are not bad. They are just broken and tired,” Bomet reflects, speaking to the deep despair that pervades the community. His approach is simple yet powerful: to offer a meal, a prayer, and an atmosphere of compassion.
The church, which began in June 2025, started as a humble initiative when Bomet invited a group of alcohol-dependent villagers—including his own brother—into his home. He served them ugali and cow head soup, shared a prayer, and listened to their stories. From that small gathering, Upendo Fellowship quickly grew, drawing dozens of men and women who had been rejected by society.
At Upendo Fellowship, no one is turned away. Even those who arrive still drunk, or those who step outside during prayers to indulge their addictions, are welcomed with open arms. The church’s services are unlike conventional Sunday worship, with gentle sermons, patient prayers, and a forgiving atmosphere that helps to heal, rather than punish.
The church’s cornerstone is its ability to provide something that many addicts in the area desperately need: food. Reverend Bomet boils cow heads to prepare soup and serves it alongside ugali—meals that are often the only food many of the alcohol-dependent villagers get. While some initially come only for the food, Bomet’s deeper goal is spiritual transformation and helping the community escape the grip of addiction.
For many of the congregants, the post-service meal is just as crucial as the sermon. George Bunei, a former doctor who worked abroad in countries like Turkey, shares that his alcohol addiction led him to a life of destitution in Poror. He admits, “I still drink, but I have reduced. I used to drink daily.” His presence at Upendo Fellowship has been pivotal in his recovery, offering him a space where he is not judged.
Another congregant, Isaiah Rongei, a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, lost his job due to alcohol-related misconduct and now struggles with alcoholism. He sees Upendo Fellowship as more than just a church: “My hope is that one day I will quit alcohol completely and become a pastor,” he says, revealing his dreams of redemption and leadership.
For Emily Koech, a former brewer of illicit alcohol, Upendo Fellowship provided a fresh start. Witnessing the destruction that alcohol addiction caused in her community, she sought change—starting with herself.
As the sun sets over Poror village, Upendo Fellowship stands as a beacon of hope in a place once defined by addiction. What started with a bowl of soup and a prayer has now become a space where broken lives are being restored, one meal and one prayer at a time. In a village plagued by hopelessness, Upendo Fellowship is redefining what redemption looks like—offering not only spiritual guidance but also a sense of belonging and the promise of recovery for all who seek it.
