Renowned gospel singer Renney Omondi has opened up about her early life, revealing that she once spent the night in a church after becoming homeless.
In an interview with Billy Miya on ‘Maskani 47’, Omondi recounted her efforts to survive while living in Huruma, Nairobi, where she sold second-hand clothes.
Omondi narrated that she could not make ends meet and was ultimately evicted from her residence in Huruma for failing to pay rent.
“Nilikuwa nauza nguo Gikomba lakini pesa zilikuwa hazitoshi rent. Nilijaribu kuomba au kukopa mpaka siku moja ikabidi nimefungiwa mlango,” said Omondi.
With no place to turn, Omondi said she took shelter in a church, where she was actively involved in the Praise and Worship team.
“Nilijipeleka kanisani, sio ati kusali lakini ni kwa vile sikuwa na mahali pa kulala. I slept there, in a bench, for one night. The next day nikampata rafiki ambaye tuliweza kushare naye nyumba pamoja na rent. Huyo rafiki aliniweka mwezi wa kwanza na wa pili ndipo, at least, Bwana akanizaidia,” she narrated.
Omondi said that the church’s guards believed she was there for a night of worship, not realizing she had nowhere else to stay.
“Nilikuwa Praise and Worship, so nilikuwa najulikana. Walinzi walikuwa wanajua tu huyu amekuja kusali,” Omondi explained.
According to the singer, Christians should demonstrate greater compassion and look beyond superficial appearances by reaching out to their neighbours.
“I pray that God atuzaidie tutoke kwa pretence. I wish we were more of a family so that we reach out to someone, not kumharibia jina, but, to verify if they are Ok. Many times we say, “Praise the Lord”, “Bwana asifiwe” and go home, but [yule] mtu anakufa kimoyomoyo kwa kuwa hana njia,” she pleaded.
She highlighted that many individuals are in desperate situations, even if they do not appear to be.
“As brethren, it is important not to assume things. Tuulizane maswali. Let’s talk to each other because mtu anaweza kufa kwa mikono yako. Mtu anaweza kufa ilhali tunaangaliana, assuming that [the individual] amekuja kanisani ameng’ara na kuvalia vizuri – Sunday Best. No one knows,” added Omondi.
Omondi also encouraged those facing similar challenges to remain hopeful, asserting that her experiences in Huruma played a crucial role in shaping her life.
“We thank God for these [difficult] seasons because they make us better. And if we do not go through these things, how else will we call God our Ebenezer?” She said.
