President William Ruto has mourned the victims of the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, describing the tragedy as a devastating loss of young lives full of promise and dreams.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President said the government’s immediate priority was rescuing those affected, ensuring the injured receive treatment, and supporting grieving families as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
His statement comes as the fire has so far claimed the lives of 16 students, with 79 hospitalised at the time of going to press.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Ruto stated.
“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future. As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.”
The Head of State assured Kenyans that authorities were focused on emergency response efforts while seeking answers on what triggered the inferno that rocked the school in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire,” he added.
The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country, with leaders and Kenyans sending messages of condolence to the affected families.
“May God grant comfort and strength to the grieving families during this painful time. Poleni sana,” Ruto said.
Govt Issues Orders
Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that all students at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil will be released to their parents by midday following the deadly fire tragedy that claimed 16 lives.
Speaking on Thursday, May 28, Ogamba said learners would only be released after authorities complete the ongoing process of accounting for all students.
“We will also be releasing learners with their parents who are here during the course of the day. The cause of the fire is yet to be known, with investigations ongoing,” he said.
The CS urged parents to report through government hotline 1199, especially those who may have picked up students earlier after the incident.
“Investigations are ongoing, and there is a hotline number 1199,” Ogamba stated.
According to the CS, the school has 815 students, with 808 present during the incident. He confirmed 79 learners were injured, with 71 treated and discharged after the fire broke out at around 12.45am.
