CS Deborah Barasa comforts families after Utumishi Girls tragedy
By Emmanuel Rono, May 28, 2026Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa has joined Kenyans in mourning the 16 students who died following a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Barasa described the incident as heartbreaking, saying the country was deeply saddened by the loss of the young learners whose lives were cut short in the early morning tragedy.
“It is with a heavy heart, profound sorrow, and deep grief that I stand with the community of Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil following the devastating fire tragedy that occurred early this morning,” she said.
The CS conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families, saying no words could ease the pain of losing a child.
“To the families who are facing the unimaginable nightmare of losing their beloved daughters, we weep with you. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences,” Barasa stated.
Utumishi fire incident
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted into the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which has left the nation in mourning, with the deaths of 16 students and scores of others injured.
Murkomen confirmed that emergency response and investigative agencies have already been deployed to the scene, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), crime scene investigators, and officers from the Government Chemist.
The Kenya Red Cross has confirmed that at least one hundred and thirty-two students have been affected in a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County.
“Update: So far, 132 students have been affected following the fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, with several evacuated and receiving treatment in various hospitals,” Kenya Red Cross said.
Closure of the school
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba has confirmed the indefinite closure of Utumishi Girls Academy following a devastating fire tragedy that has left at least 16 students dead, with 71 of 79 injured students reportedly discharged so far.
Speaking on the incident on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Ogamba said that the students will be released at midday, as the government has moved swiftly to secure the institution, and investigations continue into the cause of the fire.
“We will also be releasing learners with their parents who are here during the course of the day. The cause of the fire is yet to be known, with investigations ongoing,” Ogamba announced.