Did leaders ignore Utumishi Girls’ Academy during National Prayer Breakfast? Parliament responds
By Emmanuel Rono, May 29, 2026Parliament has dismissed media reports alleging that national leaders ignored the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls during the National Prayer Breakfast, terming the claims misleading and inconsistent with what transpired at the event.
In a clarification issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, Parliament stated that President William Ruto acknowledged the tragedy during his address, conveyed condolences to the affected families, and joined the nation in mourning those affected by the incident.
“Claims in the media that national leaders ignored the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls during the National Prayer Breakfast are misleading and do not reflect what transpired at the event,” the statement read in part.
The statement further noted that the president invited the first lady, Rachel Ruto, to lead the congregation in prayers for the victims and all those impacted by the fire, underscoring the government’s solidarity with bereaved families and survivors.
“President William Ruto expressly acknowledged the tragedy during his remarks, conveyed condolences to the affected families, and invited First Lady Rachel Ruto to lead the congregation in prayers for the victims and all those impacted.”
“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the incident was ignored, as the leadership publicly recognised the tragedy and joined the nation in mourning and prayer,” the statement added.
Ruto mourning Utumishi victims
President William Ruto joined Kenyans in mourning the devastating fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, that left several students dead and others injured.
President Ruto, in his message on his social media accounts on Thursday, May 28, 2026, said that he was deeply saddened by the loss of young lives and that the incident was a sad time for the country.
He said there was nothing that could bring any solace to families that have lost their daughters, full of promise and hope. The head of state has further said that the government has shifted its attention to the tragedy, stressing the need for unity in mourning, and asked Kenyans to take solace in faith.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil. 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,” Ruto said.