First Lady Rachel Ruto has officially reopened the rebuilt Kiambaa KAG Christian Life Assembly Church in Uasin Gishu County, nearly two decades after the church became a symbol of Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence.
Rachel presided over the reopening on Friday, September 11, 2026, describing the occasion as a moment of remembrance, reconciliation and hope for the Kiambaa community.
The church was destroyed on January 1, 2008, after people who had sought refuge inside during the post-election violence were trapped when the building was set on fire. More than 30 people lost their lives in the tragedy, including women, children and elderly people.
The incident remained one of the painful memories of the violence that followed the disputed 2007 presidential election. More than 1,000 people were killed across Kenya during the wider crisis, while hundreds of thousands were displaced.
During the reopening ceremony, Rachel said the rebuilt church should remind Kenyans of the importance of remembering those who died while also choosing reconciliation and unity.
She said rebuilding the church was about more than putting up a new structure. It represented the community’s ability to recover from a painful past and work towards a better future.
The new church has been completely transformed. The compound now includes a modern sanctuary, an administration block and facilities for children. It also has a playground, landscaped grounds, trees and improved walkways.
The reconstruction began in 2022, more than 13 years after the original church was destroyed.
The reopening now marks a new chapter for the Kiambaa community, turning a site associated with tragedy into a place for worship, fellowship and community activities.
For many residents and families affected by the 2008 tragedy, the church remains an important reminder of Kenya’s history and the need to promote peace and reconciliation.