At the busy junction of Gusii Road and Kenyatta Avenue in the heart of Nakuru, one figure stands calmly, holding a simple placard that reads: “God loves you, come get a hug.”

‎‎That figure is Nakuru-based gospel artist Faith Nduhiu, who has turned a busy street corner into a space of comfort, prayer, and unexpected healing.

‎‎Speaking during one of her evening sessions, Faith reveals that the initiative was born out of her own personal struggles.

‎‎“The reason why I started giving hugs is that I was not okay myself,” she says. “I was going through painful moments. I had a heartbreak from someone very close to me, and the year did not start well for me.”

‎‎According to the singer, her challenges escalated when her car was vandalized and its battery stolen at the beginning of the year. Consequently, she found herself overwhelmed and on the brink of depression.

‎‎“I reached a point where I didn’t want to see people or do anything,” she admits. “But at the same time, as a gospel artist who has been doing charity work, I was receiving messages from people saying they were giving up and they were not okay.”

‎‎It was at that moment, she says, that she chose to transform her pain into purpose.

‎‎“I told myself, if this is what I’m going through and I still have faith, what about someone who is struggling to put food on the table? So, I decided to turn my lemons into lemonade. I said, " Let me go out there, hug people, and tell them it’s going to be alright,” she says

‎‎What started as a simple act of compassion has gradually evolved into what Faith now describes as a ministry. Besides offering hugs, she occasionally sings worship songs on the streets a practice she says helps her heal as well.

‎‎“Through those hugs, I am also getting healing,” she explains. “When I’m ready to sing, I sing. We are not stopping to serve God at any point.”

Faith Nduhiu pose for a photo holding a placard on 20 February 2026

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎Over time, the initiative has drawn emotional encounters that have deeply touched her. One such moment involved Elkana Njogu, whose video of hugging Faith has since gone viral.

‎‎Faith recounts that Elkana approached her intending to console her, assuming she might be the one in distress. However, during their interaction, she reassured him that everything would be alright. Since then, well-wishers have reportedly supported him after learning about his own struggles.

‎‎“That moment showed that men can also come out and express their feelings,” she notes.

‎In another instance, a young woman confided in her about having suicidal thoughts. Others, she says, have openly questioned whether God truly loves them amid their hardships.

‎‎“People are really going through a lot out there,” Faith says. “When I hug them, it’s like lifting a burden from them.”

‎‎However, the initiative has not been without its challenges. Faith admits that while she offers comfort, she cannot always provide material help to those who approach her seeking financial assistance.

‎‎“Sometimes someone tells me they are suffering, and at that moment I don’t have money to give them. All I can offer is a hug and a prayer that God comes through for them,” she says.

‎‎Additionally, the emotional weight of absorbing people’s pain often leaves her drained.

‎‎“When I go home, I’m worn out. Sometimes I cry after replaying the stories I’ve heard,” she reveals. “To recharge, I listen to worship songs and pray. I ask God for peace and grace because it’s not easy.”

‎‎Fortunately, she says, she has a support system of friends and followers who check in on her and encourage her to keep going.

‎‎So far, Faith describes the journey as fulfilling despite the exhaustion. Encouraged by the positive response, she plans to take the initiative beyond Nakuru to other counties, including Nairobi.

‎‎Nevertheless, she cautions that the act of hugging strangers in vulnerable states is not something to undertake lightly.

‎‎“This hug is not just any other hug. You are releasing energy, and it is spiritual at the same time,” she says. “If you feel called to do it, pray about it. Ask God for discernment because you don’t know who you are hugging out there.”

‎‎As the sun sets over Nakuru and traffic gradually eases, Faith Nduhiu remains at her spot, arms open, reminding strangers that they are seen, valued, and loved.

‎muthoniw813@gmail.com

Hugs of hope: Gospel singer Faith Nduhiu reveals why she embraces strangers in Nakuru

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Muthoni Wanjiku