Kiambaa church where over 30 died in 2008 gets new beginning as Rachel Ruto officiates reopening
By Steve Ireri, September 12, 2026Kiambaa KAG church, which became the scene of one of the darkest episodes of Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence after more than 30 people died inside the building, has received a new lease of life following its reopening by First Lady Rachel Ruto.
The reopening was officiated by Rachel on Friday, September 11, 2026, as the church began a new chapter under Christian Life Assembly, with the occasion bringing together clergy, community leaders and residents to mark what was described as a fresh beginning for the Kiambaa community.
Rachel Ruto described the occasion as a new beginning for Kiambaa, saying the reopening honoured the memories carried by the community while also celebrating its resilience and determination to move forward together.
“A new chapter of faith and community fellowship begins in Kiambaa with the launch of Christian Life Assembly Church,” Rachel said.
She said the new church would seek to become more than a place of worship by providing a space where families could be strengthened, young people nurtured and members of the community brought together through service and compassion.
“The new beginning honours the memories carried by this community while celebrating its resilience, reconciliation and determination to move forward together,” she said.
Rachel further said the church had been envisioned as a home for the wider community, where worship would be accompanied by efforts aimed at strengthening families and bringing people together.
“More than a place of worship, the church is envisioned as a home where families are strengthened, young people nurtured and communities brought together in service and compassion,” she said.
The reopening also brought back memories of the church’s devastating past, with Apostle Kaptengei recalling visiting the site in 2008 shortly after the massacre.
Kaptengei said he had travelled to Kiambaa with the late Bishop Likavo as they sought to pray with the affected community, only to find the church in ruins.
“In 2008 we came here being led by the late Bishop Likavo and we came and prayed and this place was in ruins,” Kaptengei said.
He said returning to the site years later and seeing the transformation had left him deeply moved by what he described as God’s work.
“And today when I came and saw what God has done, I really rejoice,” he said.
The occasion was also attended by Archbishop Philip Kitoto, the General Superintendent of the Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG), alongside other clergy and church leaders.
The church carries a painful history dating back to January 1, 2008, when people fleeing the violence sought refuge inside the building as ethnic clashes intensified in the area.
The group comprised largely women, children and elderly people who had taken shelter at the church believing it would offer them protection from the violence that had engulfed parts of the country following the disputed 2007 General Election.
The refuge, however, turned into a scene of horror after an armed mob surrounded the church, blocked the exits and set the building on fire.
More than 30 people died in the inferno, with victims either burned alive or succumbing to smoke inhalation as they remained trapped inside the building.
The tragedy went on to become one of the most enduring symbols of the post-election violence that shook Kenya, leaving deep scars among families and communities affected by the bloodshed.
Years later, the reopening of the church has now offered a strikingly different scene, with the same place beginning a new chapter centred on faith, fellowship, reconciliation and community healing.
The Kiambaa tragedy occurred against the backdrop of the violence that erupted after the December 2007 presidential election, when disputes over the election results triggered widespread unrest, ethnic clashes and attacks in different parts of the country.
The church became one of the most notorious sites associated with the violence after those seeking safety inside were trapped by the attackers and killed when the building was set ablaze.