By Bonface Mulyungi
The government has urged Kenyans to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information or disturbing images on social media following a fire break out at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru county.
In a statement, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said the incident, which left 16 students dead and others injured, had been received with deep shock and profound sadness.
He conveyed condolences on behalf of the government to affected families, parents, guardians, teachers and students, describing the incident as devastating.
“The government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru county, in which several students are feared to have lost their lives while others sustained injuries,” he said.
He said the government had immediately activated emergency response teams drawn from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, county disaster units, medical personnel and fire response teams to contain the situation and support rescue operations.
He confirmed that injured students were receiving treatment at nearby health facilities, while efforts were underway to account for all learners.
According to Mwaura, officials from relevant ministries and agencies were already on the ground coordinating response efforts and supporting affected families.
The government assured the public that all available resources were being deployed to manage the situation and establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.
At the same time, he issued a strong appeal for responsible communication during the crisis.
“The government urges members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or disturbing images on social media, as this could cause further trauma to the affected families while authorities continue with rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the fire,” he said.
The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and other agencies are jointly investigating the incident to determine its cause and ensure appropriate action is taken.
The government reaffirmed its solidarity with affected families and said further updates would be issued through official channels as verified information becomes available.
President William Ruto mourned the students who lost their lives, describing the incident as a painful national tragedy.
The President said the country was united in grief with families, teachers and students affected by the devastating fire.
“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 said.
“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.”
The President said the government’s immediate focus was on rescuing those affected, ensuring treatment for the injured and supporting families impacted by the incident.
Ruto conveyed condolences to parents, guardians, teachers and fellow students mourning the victims.
“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. As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” he said.
He also prayed for strength and comfort for the grieving families during the difficult period.
“May God grant comfort and strength to the grieving families during this painful time. Poleni sana,” the President added.
