Tragic Fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Claims 16 Lives, Injures 79: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, CSs Condole with Families as Rescue and Investigations Continue

Nation Mourns After Dormitory Fire at Utumishi Girls Academy

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined Kenyans in mourning families affected by the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. On Thursday morning, a dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students, while 79 others sustained injuries, with seven admitted to hospital for further treatment.
In a heartfelt statement, Uhuru extended his condolences to parents, guardians, students, teachers, and the wider school community. “I join the nation in mourning with the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. My heart goes out to the parents, guardians, students, teachers, and the entire school community during this painful time,” he said.

The former President prayed for comfort and strength for bereaved families, peace for those who died, swift recovery for the injured, and resilience for everyone affected. “I pray for God’s comfort and strength for every family bearing this heavy loss. May God grant eternal peace to those we have lost, comfort to those mourning, a swift recovery to the injured, and courage to all affected in the days ahead,” Uhuru added.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, leaving the nation in shock. Parents rushed to the school gates as news of the tragedy spread, with police restricting access to allow only parents into the compound during ongoing rescue and investigative operations. Injured students were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil for treatment.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba advised parents to use hotline number 1199 to report missing students and access counselling services while authorities account for all learners affected. “At the time of the fire, responses were received from the security agencies. Investigations are ongoing, and there is a hotline number 1199 to which we shall be asking the parents to report, especially those who might have left with their kids when they came earlier. That hotline number will also be available for counselling. We shall release the learners who are here with their parents in the course of the day,” Ogamba said.

He urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing that investigations will determine whether safety procedures outlined in the national school safety manual were followed.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also offered condolences, urging patience as authorities continue victim identification and investigations. “I pass my condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. We know that this is a very anxious moment, even as we account for the 16 so far identified as having passed on. I ask Kenyans to stand together; we stand with you in prayer and support. I ask you to be patient and avoid speculation as to the cause of the tragedy,” Murkomen said.

The nation continues to mourn as rescue efforts and investigations unfold, highlighting the need for strict adherence to school safety measures to prevent future tragedies.