State House bows in prayer over Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire tragedy
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 29, 2026The State House was, on Friday, May 29, 2026, immersed in a moment of solemn prayer as nominated senator Veronica Maina led a heartfelt intercession following the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls’ School that had left the nation in mourning, with the deaths of 16 students and scores of others hospitalised with injuries.
Leading the prayer during an event to assent to three National Assembly bills into law, Veronica began by giving thanks for the assent of three key bills, among them the Disaster Risk Management Bill, which she said would strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to and recover from disasters affecting citizens across the country.
“As we gather here today, we want to thank you for the assent of these three bills, one of them being the Disaster Risk Management Bill that is going to help us to strengthen how we respond and how we recover from disasters,” Veronica prayed.
As she proceeded with the prayers, Veronica turned to the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls’ School, Senator Maina leading a moving supplication for the victims, their families, and all those affected by the devastating fire. She interceded for divine comfort for bereaved families and healing for the injured learners in the hospital.
“We want to remember Utumishi Girls School. We remember the families that lost their dear ones. Almighty God, we pray that you only give them peace that surpasses all understanding. Even for the girls who are still in the hospital, we pray that permanent healing be upon them,” she prayed.
Fire breaks out in schools
The nominated senator extended the prayer to all learners in schools across the country, with a strong spiritual appeal for protection and safety in learning institutions. In particular, the senator rebuked what she termed the “spirit of fire” in schools.
“We remember our children in schools, Lord; may you take care of them, and we pray that you remove the spirit of fire in our schools in Jesus’ Name,” she prayed.
The solemn session at State House underscored growing national concern over school safety following recent fire incidents, with leaders increasingly calling for both spiritual reflection and strengthened disaster preparedness measures.
Hours after the tragic incident at Utumishi Girls’ Academy, another fire was reported at Gacharage Secondary School in Murang’a. Although no casualties were reported, it further raised alarm of the safety of students in schools