Sifuna mourns victims of Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire
By Cynthia Lodite, May 28, 2026Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of at least 16 students and injured dozens more.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Nairobi Senator acknowledged the overwhelming grief that words often fail to capture in such moments.
“When tragedies like the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy happen, sometimes words just fail you. I cannot imagine the pain the parents, teachers and students are feeling. I know there is nothing that can be said to make you feel different, but please accept my sincere condolences. Poleni sana,” Sifuna stated.
A devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil has left the nation in shock after a dormitory blaze claimed 16 lives and left several others injured.
The early morning incident on Thursday, May 28, 2026, reduced part of the dormitory to burnt remains, prompting a swift response from emergency teams, security officers, and government officials.
Earlier in the morning, the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the death toll at 16, with 79 students injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals.
Shortly after, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that at least one hundred and thirty-two students had been affected in the fire.
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.
At the same time, the response team confirmed that it continues to support affected students and families through psychosocial support and tracing services as response efforts remain ongoing.
“Kenya Red Cross continues to support affected students and families through psychosocial support and tracing services as response efforts remain ongoing,” Kenya RedCross added.