Inside Gachie worship group where reformed men meet to sing and pray

In Gachie, there is a brotherhood going on. But many have wondered, what really happens at these brotherhood meetings?

Is it just a sanctuary for honest conversations, shared laughter, meaningful connections and life-changing lessons? How are they helping each other navigate life's toughest moments? What lessons keep them going back week after week?

Citizen Digital attended one of the meetings by this group that calls itself the CADETS, where they were not just singing and worshipping, but also sharing pieces of advice that hopefully will keep the men in the group going.

Kamau Karongo, the co-founder of CADETS, says one of the reasons they came together is that men try to hide their emotions in the company of the opposite gender.

"Men don't like getting emotional when they worship, so this is one of the reasons this is a men-only group."

But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

CADETS is the short form of Creative Artists and Designers Team. This is the direction the group members decided to pursue, especially most of those who ditched crime for good.

Majority of the CADETS members were involved in crime around the Gachie area. Gachie was once notorious for harbouring hardcore thugs, most of whom were felled by security agents while robbing or attacking people.

"Through this group, many people have found a footing. We have very huge business owners here, people have found advice here and have grown to become better," Karongo says.

Kish Wahiu has been a member of the Cadets for eight years now. He was battling alcoholism, and it was taking a toll on him; nothing was working for him.

"God came and rescued me from addiction. CADETS men's fellowship became my new foundation. As a former addict, reintegrating into society becomes very difficult. But I found brothers who have held me and helped me grow."

Wahiu is now a singer and has since opened his own studio where he records his music and even for other artists.

Karongo says that besides singing, they run businesses, work, mentor each other and support those who need them.

He urges men to organise themselves, come together for each other and uplift each other whenever they can.

"We will have stronger families, hardworking people and people who are focused."