Wanga calls for national reflection after Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire tragedy
By Kepher Otieno, May 29, 2026A sombre mood engulfed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Kisumu as senior party officials, led by Gladys Wanga, paid glowing tribute to victims of the tragic Utumishi Academy fire disaster that claimed the lives of several children.
Speaking during a consultative meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, attended by top ODM leaders ahead of Sunday’s mega rally at Kirembe Grounds, Wanga led leaders in observing a solemn moment of silence for the departed children and offered heartfelt condolences to grieving families struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
The Homa Bay governor, visibly emotional, said the tragedy had deeply disturbed her not only as a leader but also as a parent, terming the deaths heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend.
“We pray that God grants the bereaved families, relatives and friends strength and fortitude to overcome this painful loss,” Wanga said.
She described the deaths as a huge blow to parents, the education fraternity and the nation at large, warning that such tragedies leave permanent emotional scars on families and communities.
“As a parent, this incident is extremely painful and disturbing. Losing children in such circumstances is devastating. It is a great loss not only to the families but also to the entire education sector and the country,” she stated.
The Kisumu rally
Her remarks immediately shifted the political atmosphere from mobilisation and strategy to grief and reflection, with leaders temporarily setting aside political differences to mourn with affected families.
Migori Governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko joined Wanga in calling for national solidarity during the difficult period, saying the country must prioritise the safety and well-being of children in learning institutions.
Ayacko said the tragedy should force institutions and authorities to re-examine safety preparedness in schools and learning centres across the country.
“No parent ever imagines receiving news that their child will not return home from school. This is a tragedy that touches the soul of the nation,” Ayacko said.
He urged Kenyans to stand together in prayer and compassion, insisting that moments of national pain require unity rather than political division.
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying the loss of young lives under such tragic circumstances was unbearable and emotionally draining.
The legislator called on leaders and citizens alike to embrace families affected by the disaster and support them through the difficult mourning process.
“These children had dreams, ambitions and futures ahead of them. It is heartbreaking that their lives have been cut short in such a painful manner,” Jalang’o said.
Oron’s remarks
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for stronger safety standards within institutions handling children.
He said leaders must move beyond statements of sympathy and ensure lessons are learned from the incident to prevent future disasters.
“We say ‘pole’ to the families. We pray for peace, comfort and healing during this painful moment,” Oron stated.
Several MCAs from Kisumu who attended the meeting also joined in conveying condolences, prayers and solidarity with grieving families, describing the tragedy as one of the darkest moments for the education community in recent times.
The fire tragedy
The leaders collectively called for solemn gratitude, national prayers and emotional support for parents who lost their children in the inferno.
The tragedy has once again reopened painful national conversations around school safety, emergency preparedness and the psychological trauma that follows disasters involving children.