History of RCEA Chemaluk Local Church

The Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) Chemaluk Local Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu was established in 1969 at Shamtreck Farm, near Marura Trading Center, presently the site of Equator Flower Farm. Initially, the church was known as Mutwot Local Church until the year 2000 when it adopted its current name, RCEA Chemaluk.

The origins of the church date back to its beginnings as a preaching post, serving a few African families employed as laborers at Shamtreck Farm, which was owned by a Boer settler. These families initially gathered for worship at a small farmhouse until 1972 when the church relocated to Marura Trading Center.

Up until 1975, the church was administered by missionaries from the Plateau area as part of RCEA’s broader mission work. Both white missionaries and a few ordained African ministers regularly visited Mutwot to nurture the young congregation and administer sacraments.

In 1975, the Plateau Parish was divided to create several new parishes, and Mutwot became one of 11 local churches within the newly created Koitoror Parish. In 1992, Mr. Maina Sigowo, a local resident and church member, generously donated a portion of his land for the construction of a new church. The church then moved to its current location and began operating out of a makeshift structure while starting a nursery school for the community.

In 1996, when Koitoror Parish was subdivided, Mutwot Local Church was moved under the new Livingstone Parish. The name “Mutwot” was officially changed to RCEA Chemaluk Local Church in 2000 to better reflect the name of the local primary school and surrounding area. In 2012, the Livingstone Parish was further divided into Livingstone and Tumaini parishes, with Chemaluk remaining a part of Livingstone Parish.

Timeline of Key Events

Year	Event
1969	Establishment of Mutwot Local Church at Shamtreck Farm
1972	Relocation of Mutwot Local Church to Marura Trading Center
1975	Koitoror Parish created, and Mutwot Local Church placed under it
1992	Mr. Sigowo donates 1 acre of land; Mutwot Local Church relocates to its current location and sets up a makeshift structure along with a nursery school
1996	Koitoror Parish is divided; Mutwot Local Church becomes part of Livingstone Parish
1998	Church construction begins; Rev. Benson Odinga lays the foundation stone
2000	Mutwot Local Church renamed RCEA Chemaluk Local Church
2012	Livingstone Parish is divided; Chemaluk remains part of Livingstone Parish

Growth of the Congregation

Though official statistical records of Chemaluk Local Church’s membership growth are unavailable, oral sources indicate steady growth since its establishment in 1969. Below is an approximate representation of the growth in the number of families over the years:

Year	Number of Families
1969	3
1975	6
1980	10
1985	12
1990	18
1995	29
2000	40
2005	40
2010	42
2015	50

Parish Ministers

The church has seen various parish ministers serve over the years. Below is a record of their service:

Year (From – To)	Parish Minister
1969 – 1980	Unknown
1980 – 1981	Rev. Justin Mutai
1981 – 1987	Rev. Abraham Chebiego
1987 – 2002	Unknown
1998 – 2002	Rev. Stanley Muigai
2002 – 2006	Rev. Abraham Chebiego
2006 – 2009	Rev. Hezron Komen
2009 – Present	Rev. Japheth Lelei

Evangelists

The following evangelists have served Chemaluk Local Church since its inception:

Year (From – To)	Evangelist
1969 – 1972	Unknown
1972 – 1973	James Kimungui
1973 – 1976	Robert Chepkuto
1976 – 1979	Richard Wekesa
1979 – 1980	Makokha
1980 – 1982	John Cheruiyot
1982 – 1982	Walala
1984 – 1987	Kariuki Njau
1987 – Unknown	Mulago
2002 – 2006	Joram Gitau
2006 – 2014	Unknown
2015 – Present	Monica Kimutai

Chairpersons

Several individuals have chaired the congregation since its formation. Below is a record of their service:

Year (From – To)	Chairperson(s)
1969 – 1992	Unknown
1992 – 1996	Rev. Stanley Muigai
1996 – 2001	James Thuo
2001 – 2007	William Kiptoo
2007 – 2015	Wilson Songok
2015 – Present	Emmanuel Kutto

Conclusion

RCEA Chemaluk Local Church has grown from a small congregation of a few families to a thriving community over the decades. Its history reflects the dedication and contributions of various individuals, from missionaries to local leaders, all of whom have shaped the church’s legacy. Through continued growth, the church remains a vital spiritual and social center in the Chemaluk community, with a strong commitment to its mission and its members.