The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
First Lady Rachel Ruto has called for healing, reconciliation and hope as the rebuilt KAG Christian Life Assembly Church in Kiambaa, Uasin Gishu County, was officially reopened nearly 20 years after the site became associated with the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
Rachel presided over the reopening ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026, describing the occasion as an important moment to remember those who lost their lives while celebrating the resilience of the Kiambaa community.
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She said faith had played an important role in helping affected families and communities cope with painful memories and begin the process of moving forward.
“We gather as a congregation, a community and a nation to honour the memory of those we lost. We give thanks to the faith that endured and the heart that chose reconciliation,” Rachel said.
The First Lady acknowledged that the church site continues to evoke painful memories for families affected by the events of January 1, 2008. She noted that people experience grief and healing differently, urging the community to remember those affected as it begins a new chapter.
Rebuilding Hope in Kiambaa
Rachel described the reconstructed church as a symbol of renewed commitment to serving both God and the community.
She said the church’s name reflects its intended role as a place where lives can be nurtured and hope restored.
“We gather today with humility, mindful that this place carries memories of profound loss for many families. We honour all those affected and recognise that every person heals differently,” she said.
The reopening comes nearly two decades after people who had sought refuge inside the church were trapped when the building was set ablaze during the post-election violence.
The tragedy left a lasting emotional impact on the Kiambaa community, making the reconstruction and reopening of the church a significant moment for residents and families connected to the site.
Rachel said the rebuilt church represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a fresh commitment to faith, service and the restoration of hope.
She urged the community to use the reopening as an opportunity to remember the past while looking towards the future.
“May this new beginning inspire a future. Kiambaa now has an opportunity to show our nation what communities can achieve when they choose to walk forward,” she said.
Rachel also delivered greetings from President William Ruto, saying he recognised and appreciated the resilience demonstrated by the Kiambaa community.
The reopening ceremony brought together themes of remembrance, faith, reconciliation and hope as the church officially began a new chapter nearly two decades after the tragedy.
