By Bonface Mulyungi
President William Ruto has conveyed his condolences to the families of students who lost their lives following a tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on Thursday morning.
In a message of condolence, the President described the incident as an unimaginable tragedy that had robbed the nation of young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” President Ruto posted on X.
“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,” he added.
The Head of State said the government’s immediate priority was focused on rescuing those affected, ensuring the injured receive treatment, and supporting the affected families as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
“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 stated.
The fire incident at the Gilgil-based school has sparked shock and grief across the country, with leaders and Kenyans continuing to send messages of condolence to the affected families and the school community.
According to police reports, sixteen students have been confirmed dead following a dormitory fire, with 74 others hospitalised.
In an incident report filed at Gilgil Police Station, police said the school principal, Joycelene Muraguri, reported the fire at about 4.30am.
The affected dormitory was housing 220 students, police said, adding that the learners were drawn from Grade 10, Form 3 and Form 4.
A multi-agency response was mounted to contain the blaze, with police saying fire brigades from Naivasha joined the operation alongside the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and water bowsers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the National Youth Service (NYS).
