Kiambaa Church reopening: Inside deep and emotional message shared by Rachel Ruto

First Lady Rachel Ruto spoke about healing and reconciliation as the rebuilt KAG Christian Life Assembly Church in Kiambaa, Uasin Gishu County, was officially reopened nearly two decades after the site became associated with the 2007–2008 post-election violence.

Rachel presided over the reopening of the church on Friday, September 11, 2026, describing the occasion as a time to honour those who lost their lives. She also recognised the resilience of the Kiambaa community and spoke about the role of faith in helping people move 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 Ruto said.

Rachel said the site continues to carry painful memories for many families who were affected by the events of January 1, 2008. She noted that people heal differently while calling for the memory of those affected to be honoured as the community marks the reopening.

Rebuilding hope in Kiambaa

The First Lady said the rebuilt church represents a renewed commitment to serving God and the community. She explained that the name of the church also reflects its purpose as a place where life can be nurtured and hope renewed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, 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,” Rachel Ruto 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 incident left the site carrying painful memories for many families, making the rebuilding and reopening a significant moment for the Kiambaa community.

“The launch of this church, the rebuilt KAG Christian Life Assembly Church Kiambaa, represents a renewed commitment to serve God and the community. The name declares that this will be a place where life is nurtured, and hope is renewed,” Rachel Ruto said.

Rachel also said the reopening should offer the community an opportunity to look ahead while remembering those who were affected. She said Kiambaa could demonstrate what communities can achieve when they choose reconciliation and decide to move forward.

“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,” Rachel Ruto said.

Rachel also conveyed warm greetings from President William Ruto, saying he appreciated the resilience of the community. She said the occasion brought together remembrance, faith, reconciliation and hope as the rebuilt church began a new chapter.

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