President William Ruto has mourned the students who lost their lives following a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, describing the incident as a painful national tragedy.

In a statement on Thursday, 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.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning, left 16 students dead and over 74 others injured as emergency responders and rescue teams moved in to assist affected learners.

The fire is said to have broken out at around 1 am and was reported at approximately 3.30 am on Thursday, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

In a statement, Kenya Red Cross said: “Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response.”

Response operations are ongoing as emergency teams assess the situation and support affected students. Authorities have not yet released further details as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

One guardian who spoke at the scene recounted the horrifying moments as students desperately tried to escape from the burning dormitory.

The guardian said parents had not yet received full information on the number of casualties, adding that many families remained distressed as they searched for their children.

“Those who were on the upper floor were jumping, and that is why most of them were hurt. We have heard that some of them were burnt and are in the hospital. We have not been told how many students have passed on. I’m lucky to have found my aunt’s child. She has a broken leg, but she will be fine,” she claimed.

“I condole with the parents who have lost their children. I ask the government to conduct a speedy investigation to find out what happened.”