Deep sorrow and grief filled the air during a memorial service held in Gilgil for the 16 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County on May 28 this year.
The emotional service, held at a public field in Gilgil on Friday, brought together national and county leaders, families of the victims, and members of the public who gathered to pay their last respects.
Among those in attendance were the First Lady Rachel Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Senator Tabitha Karanja, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, among other leaders.
In a speech read on his behalf by Education CS Ogamba, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the government is taking urgent measures to curb recurring school fire incidents across the country. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished them strength and healing during this painful period.
First Lady Rachel Ruto also comforted the families, urging them to find solace in faith and trust in God for comfort during their time of loss.
Education CS Ogamba strongly condemned the incident, stating that preliminary findings suggest some students may have been involved in triggering the fire. He urged learners to use proper channels when expressing grievances and warned that those found engaging in indiscipline or violence in schools will face strict disciplinary action.
He further called on stakeholders—including teachers, parents, government agencies, and education partners—to work together in addressing challenges affecting student behaviour and school safety. He also announced plans for a government-appointed committee to investigate the root causes of unrest in schools and recommend lasting solutions.
Senator Edwin Sifuna called on the government to take firm and preventive action to ensure such tragedies do not recur, while Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha cautioned against blame games, urging unity in finding long-term solutions.
The tragedy left 79 other students injured, and authorities are currently holding nine suspects believed to have been involved in starting the fire, pending further investigations.
Since the incident, 204 schools across the country have been temporarily closed due to student unrest and indiscipline cases, although 59 of them have since resumed learning.
