Nakuru in Mourning as Top Officials Attend Emotional Memorial for Fire Victims
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A solemn requiem mass was held in honour of the 16 students who tragically lost their lives in a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School two weeks ago, bringing together grieving families, school administrators, religious leaders and government officials in a deeply emotional ceremony marked by prayer, reflection and calls for accountability.
The service, attended by First Lady Rachel Ruto, parents, teachers, and students, also prayed for learners who are still recovering in hospital after sustaining injuries during the devastating incident.
The First Lady stood in solidarity with bereaved families, offering comfort and urging continued support for those affected by the tragedy.
Delivering the sermon, Presiding Minister of the African Inland Church (AIC), Rt Rev John Kivuva, drew from Psalm 13:1–6, echoing the raw anguish expressed in King David’s lament, “How long, O Lord?”
His message resonated deeply with mourners as he captured the pain, grief and unanswered questions surrounding the loss of young lives with promising futures.
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Emotional tributes from parents, teachers, and fellow students highlighted the profound devastation caused by the fire.
Many spoke through tears, describing the victims as disciplined, ambitious, and full of potential, leaving a void that cannot easily be filled.
The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as the school community struggled to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy.
The County Government of Nakuru County Government expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, with leaders reiterating their commitment to supporting both physical and psychological recovery efforts for survivors and the wider school community.
Officials emphasized that counselling services and continued monitoring will remain in place.
Among those present were Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, senators, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly and senior county officials from Nakuru.
Speaking during the event, leaders called for urgent and collective reflection on the factors contributing to recurring tragedies in schools.
They raised concerns about parenting, school environments, leadership responsibility, peer influence, and the growing mental health challenges affecting young people.
The leaders urged families, educators, clergy, and policymakers to work together in restoring discipline, values and safety in learning institutions.
The tragedy has also prompted renewed calls for systemic reforms in school safety management.
Authorities confirmed that the national government is establishing a multi-agency task force aimed at addressing persistent school unrest, improving emergency preparedness, and strengthening oversight in learning institutions across the country.
As the requiem mass concluded, mourners lit candles and observed moments of silence in memory of the departed students.
The service ended with a shared pledge to honour their memory by building safer, more supportive, and more accountable schools for future generations.
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