Ruto, Kindiki mourn Utumishi Girls fire victims as police say 16 dead, 74 hospitalised

In a message on X, Ruto described the incident as an unimaginable tragedy that had robbed the nation of young lives filled with promise.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Ruto said.

“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,” he added.

The President said the government’s immediate priority was focused on rescuing those affected, ensuring the injured receive treatment, and supporting families as the probe continues.

“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,” Ruto said.

Kindiki said he learnt “with deep shock and profound sorrow” that 16 girls had died, while scores of others were injured.

“To lose young girls, full of hope and dreams for the future, in such a cruel and painful way is [a] stark reminder of how fleeting life on earth is,” Kindiki said.

He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a quick recovery, saying the government would support the school community.

“The Government stands with all those affected, and is committed to support the school community to come to terms with this tragedy,” he said.

According to police, 16 students were confirmed dead following the dormitory fire, with 74 others admitted to hospital.

In an incident report filed at Gilgil Police Station, police said the school principal, Joycelene Muraguri, reported the fire at about 4.30am.

Police said the affected dormitory was housing 220 students, drawn from Grade 10, Form 3 and Form 4.

A multi-agency response was mounted to contain the blaze, with police saying fire brigades from Naivasha joined the operation alongside the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and water bowsers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the National Youth Service (NYS).