Construction Works at KAG Kiambaa Church Start 13 Years Later

The reconstruction of the Kenya Assemblies of God Kiambaa Church in Eldoret, which was burnt during the 2007-2008 post election violence has begun, 13 years after the incident.

In an advert in one of the daily newspapers on Friday, March 25, the Church stated that the construction works began in February, with the leadership noting that the process had been delayed due to political-related obstacles.

Church leaders stated that they had faced opposition from a section of political leaders who were opposed to the rebuilding of the alter, adding that they were determined to bring back to life the church which was raided and burnt down with worshippers inside on January 1, 2008.

Image of the KAG Kiambaa church advert
File

During the incident, over 30 people who sought refuge at the church lost their lives following the eruption of ethnic clashes after the disputed December 2007 elections.

"The Kiambaa KAG Church was set on fire by raiders killing 35 people, including women and children hiding inside, during the 2008 Post Election Violence. It has remained a monument of shame and a bitter reminder of the extremes of politically instigated ethnic hatred.

"Led by Bishop Joseph Kamau Mariko of KAG Uasin Gishu, the local well-wishers, have been planning to re-build the sanctuary despite serious opposition from politicians," read the advert.

Further, the leadership of the church asked Kenyans to help in the rebuilding process by contributing towards the project.

"With God's grace, the rebuilding of the Church began last month and construction is currently underway.

"The committee in charge of the project is asking well-wishers to support the construction by making contributions to KAG Kiambaa project," the church stated.

The 2008 New Year's incident caused uproar not only in Kenya but in the international community. The incident was also at the center of cases filed against the Ocampo Six at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Images of Elizabeth Wangoi, an elderly lady who was crying outside the church with a shoe in her hand, went viral and remains in the memory of many Kenyans.

Discussions on the incident remain a national conversation in the political space to date.

File image of former ICC prosecutor Luis Ocampo with his successor Fatou Bensouda
File
violence fire