Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly criticized President William Ruto over his plans to build a new church within State House grounds.
Gachagua believes that if the president truly cares about places of worship, he should begin by restoring churches that hold painful memories for Kenyans.
Speaking on July 5, 2025, Gachagua pointed to the Kiambaa church tragedy, where many lives—mainly children—were lost during the post-election violence in 2007.
The church was burned down, leaving emotional scars that still linger today.
He questioned why the government has overlooked the restoration of this church, even as it moves to invest heavily in building new ones.
Gachagua further asked why part of the Ksh 1.2 billion recently allocated for religious purposes couldn’t be used to rebuild the Kiambaa church.
He stressed that rebuilding that sacred ground would bring healing to families who lost their loved ones and show that the government genuinely values the church’s role in society.
The former deputy president’s remarks come amid growing public criticism of the State House church project, with many questioning its necessity at a time when the country faces economic challenges.
His sentiments have added weight to concerns over the government’s priorities, especially in addressing historical injustices.
Gachagua’s message seemed aimed directly at President Ruto, urging him to lead by example and begin with meaningful actions that reflect the pain and hopes of Kenyans.
He said rebuilding a place like Kiambaa would be a more honest show of respect to the church than constructing a new structure inside government property.
His comments have sparked debate, with some Kenyans supporting his call while others see it as a political move.
Still, the memory of Kiambaa remains fresh for many, and how the government responds could carry significant weight.
By Kenyans