KAG Kiambaa Church begins construction works 13 years after massacre
By Julius Tuwei
The Kenya Assemblies of Gov (KAG) Kiambaa Church in Eldoret is under construction thirteen years after it was burnt to the ground with worshippers inside.
The church made headlines during 2007-2008 post-election violence when 30 people who had sought refuge inside were burnt to ashes along with it.
According to an advert in a local daily, construction of the church begun way back in February but has faced delays due to alleged political interference.
The advert further states the construction has been facing a setback and sometimes put on halt due to political situation.
[caption id="attachment_15162" align="alignnone" width="820"]
File image of a man outside the KAG Kiambaa Church after it was burnt down during the 2008 PEV. |Courtesy| Reuters|[/caption]
Church leaders claim they have been facing opposition from a section of political leaders who are opposing the construction of the new building.
"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.
The church leadership called upon Kenyans of goodwill to assist in building the church through contributions.
"The committee in charge of the project is asking well-wishers to support the construction by making contributions to KAG Kiambaa project," the advert stated.
The Kiambaa Church is well synonymous with the picture of the late Elizabeth Wangoi the elderly woman seen raising her hands in despair during the incident.
The 2007/08 remains a dark years in Kenyan history following disputed elections results that saw several people killed while others evicted.
The 2007/08 case found its way to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague, Netherlands, but the prosecution failed to avail sufficient evidence aganist the famous Ocampo Six.
A number of cases were dismissed at ICC after they were marred by false testimonies.
The case is still ongoing after Lawyer Paul Gicheru was accused of tempering with witnesses.
A number of witnesses have claimed they were offered money and others promised better lives outside Kenya to recant their statements.
File image of a man outside the KAG Kiambaa Church after it was burnt down during the 2008 PEV. |Courtesy| Reuters|[/caption]
Church leaders claim they have been facing opposition from a section of political leaders who are opposing the construction of the new building.
"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.
The church leadership called upon Kenyans of goodwill to assist in building the church through contributions.
"The committee in charge of the project is asking well-wishers to support the construction by making contributions to KAG Kiambaa project," the advert stated.
The Kiambaa Church is well synonymous with the picture of the late Elizabeth Wangoi the elderly woman seen raising her hands in despair during the incident.
The 2007/08 remains a dark years in Kenyan history following disputed elections results that saw several people killed while others evicted.
The 2007/08 case found its way to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague, Netherlands, but the prosecution failed to avail sufficient evidence aganist the famous Ocampo Six.
A number of cases were dismissed at ICC after they were marred by false testimonies.
The case is still ongoing after Lawyer Paul Gicheru was accused of tempering with witnesses.
A number of witnesses have claimed they were offered money and others promised better lives outside Kenya to recant their statements. What's Your Reaction?
