Murkomen visits victims in hospital, pledges support to families affected by Utumishi Girls fire
By Emmanuel Rono, May 28, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy that left 16 students injured on May 28, 2026.
In a statement on his X account, Murkomen said the government will stand in solemn solidarity with families who lost their loved ones, noting that the tragedy has deeply shaken the nation.
“We stand in solemn solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in last night’s tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, and the entire school community,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen confirmed that he, alongside other officials, visited the injured students admitted at St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital Gilgil, where they offered comfort, prayers and reassurances of government support.
Counselling services
He said the affected learners will also receive counselling services to help them cope with the emotional trauma caused by the incident.
“As investigators work to establish the cause of the fire, we ask the public to remain calm and join us in praying for the affected,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen further warned that if investigations reveal any form of negligence or criminal responsibility, those involved will be brought to justice.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that if anyone was responsible for this fire, they are brought to justice,” he said.
Fire incident
In a statement on the Red Cross Kenya official X account on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the rescue team confirmed that several students had been evacuated and were receiving treatment in various hospitals.
“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.