NAIROBI, Kenya- DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to assure Kenyans that churches will remain safe places of worship and refuge during periods of political tension.
Gachagua spoke after First Lady Rachel Ruto reopened the rebuilt Christian Life Assembly Church in Kiambaa, Uasin Gishu County, on Friday, September 11.
The church stands at the site where dozens of people seeking refuge were killed after the former Kenya Assemblies of God sanctuary was set ablaze during the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
Gachagua welcomed the reopening and asked the First Lady to encourage the President to publicly commit that people seeking safety in churches would never again face violence.
“Mama Rachel Ruto went to open the newly constructed Kiambaa Church, and we were very happy,” Gachagua said.
“We trust that she will also talk to her husband to give an assurance to the people of Kenya that the church is where people run to when they are in trouble.”
The former Deputy President said places of worship should be protected from violence regardless of the political circumstances facing the country.
He also referred to recent political remarks attributed to nominated MP Wainaina and asked the government to reassure communities that the violence witnessed after the disputed 2007 presidential election would not be repeated.
“We want him to give a commitment that if there are problems, like there were in 2007–2008, and people run to church for refuge, they will be safe,” Gachagua said.
Rachel calls for reconciliation
The First Lady described the reopening of the Kiambaa church as a moment of reflection, remembrance and renewed hope for the community.
“We gather as a congregation, a community and a nation to honour the memory of those we lost,” Rachel said during the ceremony.
“We give thanks to the faith that endured and the heart that chose reconciliation.”
She said the rebuilt sanctuary represented a fresh chapter of faith and community fellowship while honouring the memories carried by Kiambaa residents.
“A new chapter of faith and community fellowship begins in Kiambaa with the launch of Christian Life Assembly Church,” she said.
“The new beginning honours the memories carried by this community while celebrating its resilience, reconciliation and determination to move forward together.”
Reconstruction of the church began in 2022. The new compound includes a main sanctuary, an indoor games hall, a multipurpose hall and a playground.
The original church became one of the most recognisable scenes of Kenya’s post-election violence after it was attacked on January 1, 2008. Those sheltering inside included women and children who had fled unrest in surrounding areas.
Gachagua revisits Witima incident
Gachagua also renewed his demand for investigations and prosecutions over the January 25 disruption of a service at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.
The incident involved tear gas, reported gunfire, injuries and property damage. Gachagua and other worshippers were evacuated from the church compound during the chaos.
He asked the First Lady to appeal to the President to allow investigators to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“I want Mama Rachel to ask her husband to allow the police to prosecute the people who attacked us inside ACK Witima Church,” Gachagua said.
DCP Secretary-General designate and Nyandarua Senator John Methu has also called for those responsible for the Witima incident to be taken to court.
Gachagua said protecting churches would give Kenyans confidence that places of worship would remain neutral sanctuaries during political disputes and national emergencies.
