El toto,Just a short distance from the lively Thika Superhighway, where vendors sell groceries and youth capture memories on dusty streets, lies a quiet space of worship — one unlike any other in the area.
About 200 metres from the bustling centre, a group gathers every Sunday afternoon for church. But instead of the usual singing and preaching, this congregation worships in complete silence. This is El Toto Church, a place of fellowship for people living with hearing impairment in Kabati.
The church was founded by Cindy Kwak, a woman born in South Korea but raised in Kenya by missionary parents. She launched the church in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as an extension of their main branch in Dandora, Nairobi.
Speaking to the media, Cindy recalled the day she met a group of deaf women at the Kabati market. “I saw them using Kenyan Sign Language and since I know how to sign, I approached them. That’s when I learned of their deep desire to worship,” she explained.
From that encounter, Cindy began meeting with the women regularly for prayer and fellowship. Over time, more people with hearing impairment joined, and the group soon outgrew informal meetups. They eventually rented a small house, which now serves as their place of worship.
Mary Muthoni, one of the first members Cindy met, shared how the church changed her life. “Before, it was hard to express our faith because not many people understand us. But now, we have a place where we worship freely and comfortably,” she said.
Another member, Everlyne Awino, noted how her faith has grown since joining El Toto Church. “Our character is being shaped through this church. Even our attitude at work has changed for the better,” she shared.
El Toto Church conducts its services in Kenyan Sign Language. The preaching, prayers, and readings are all done through sign language, allowing members to connect deeply with the message. When visitors who do not understand sign language attend, Cindy helps by interpreting.
Unlike traditional church settings where sermons flow with spoken words, services at El Toto require patience and attention as members follow every sign and gesture to stay in sync with the message.
The church holds its services every Sunday from 2 p.m., usually lasting about two hours. On a typical day, the congregation consists of around 10 or more members.
Beyond spiritual guidance, Cindy has also taken steps to empower the women economically. She founded Nashipai Leather, a workshop that trains and employs deaf women to create leather goods such as bags, belts, and wallets. The income helps these women support their families.
“Nashipai Leather employs only deaf women. We teach them how to stitch leather and produce quality items. It’s a way of helping them earn a living while building skills,” Cindy said.
Through El Toto Church and Nashipai Leather, Cindy continues to uplift the deaf community in Kabati — offering both spiritual refuge and economic empowerment in a world that often overlooks them.
