By Bonface Mulyungi

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has offered to provide VIP hearses and coffins free of charge to families of students who died in the tragic Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire.

‎Sonko pledged when he visited the school in Gilgil to condole with affected families and assess the situation following the fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.

‎He was accompanied by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari.

‎Speaking to the press outside the school, Sonko said his foundation and team were ready to support bereaved families and ensure the departed students receive dignified burials.

‎“We are also willing to extend our helping hand to the bereaved families by providing VIP hearses and coffins free of charge, alongside any other support necessary to ensure the departed students are given a dignified send-off,” he said.

‎“We want to ensure the departed girls get a decent send-off.”

‎However, Sonko said his team would first allow the government to undertake its responsibilities before stepping in where assistance may be required.

‎“We will leave it to the government first to do its part, but we remain available should there be any gaps that require support,” he said.

‎The former governor noted that the tragedy was an unexpected incident that had left many families devastated and in need of assistance.

‎He said he was prepared to provide any support necessary to ease the burden on affected families.

‎“If there are parents who are unable to transport the remains of their loved ones, we shall support them to any part of the country,” Sonko said.

‎He further urged the government to strengthen safety measures in learning institutions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in future.

‎“We must put in place adequate measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. The safety of our children in schools must remain a priority,” he said.

‎Before travelling to Gilgil, Sonko said he had visited Nakuru General Hospital intending to check on students injured in the fire.

‎“Unfortunately, I was informed that all the injured students had been transferred to Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi,” he said.

‎He announced plans to return to Nairobi to visit the injured learners and assess their condition.

‎“I will now travel back to Nairobi to visit them, see how they are responding to treatment, and stand with their families during this painful moment,” he said.

‎Sonko expressed sympathy to the affected families, students and teachers, saying the country must stand together during the difficult period.

‎“My prayers remain with all the affected students, parents and teachers. May God grant quick recovery to the injured and comfort to the bereaved families,” he said.

‎His remarks came as investigations into the cause of the fire continued, with forensic experts and detectives working to identify victims and establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.