Ruto, Gachagua mourn victims of Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire tragedy
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 28, 2026President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have 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.
“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. May God grant comfort and strength to the grieving families during this painful time. Poleni sana,” Ruto added.
Gachagua’s statement on the tragedy
In a statement on his Facebook page, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, on his side, expressed “great pain” over the tragedy, calling the incident an unfortunate and very distressing one. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and hoped that the injured students would soon be on their feet, as well as recognising the psychological distress of parents and survivors.
“I have learnt of the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, with great pain. It is unfortunate that the early morning fire incident has left scores of our young girls dead and several injured. I pass my deepest sympathies to the parents and families who have lost their young, promising daughters of our great nation,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua demands speedy investigation
Gachagua has also demanded speedy and in-depth investigations, adding that any individual or entity that is responsible for the crimes committed through commission or omission be brought to book. He also expressed worries about the lack of cooperation in disaster preparation and highlighted the need to bolster and make effective use of a disaster preparation system, not just as a response to disasters.
“This tragedy remains an unfortunate event that should never have occurred in our modern-day Kenya. I urge speedy investigations into this matter, and those culpable of commission or omission must face the full force of law,” Rigathi said.
“As a nation, disaster preparedness and planning must be taken as an integral part of every government planning and not a knee-jerk reaction when disasters occur,” he added.
Two leaders made two statements that indicate a nation that’s in mourning, with questions arising on the safety measures in schools and the cause of the fatal fire.
As the nation mourns, demands for accountability, enhanced safety and institutional changes are intensifying, with many Kenyans pointing to the need for action to prevent the tragedy from happening again.