NAKURU, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined Kenyans in mourning the students who died in the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, calling for swift investigations and greater investment in disaster preparedness.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gachagua said he had learnt of the tragedy “with great pain,” describing the deaths of the young learners as heartbreaking for the nation.
“It is unfortunate that the early morning fire incident has left scores of our young girls dead and several injured,” he said.
The former deputy president expressed sympathy to the grieving families, saying the country had lost “young promising daughters of our great nation.”
“I pass my deepest sympathies to the parents and families who have lost their young promising daughters of our great nation. Please accept my deepest sympathies and my prayers for you,” Gachagua stated.
He also wished quick recovery to the injured students receiving treatment in hospital and comforted parents and learners traumatised by the incident.
“To the injured students in hospitals, I wish you quick recovery. To the students and parents traumatized by this incident, poleni sana,” he added.
Gachagua termed the tragedy unacceptable in modern-day Kenya and called for accountability once investigations are concluded.
“This tragedy remains an unfortunate event that should never have occurred in our modern-day Kenya. I urge speedy investigations into this matter and those culpable of commission or omission must face the full force of law,” he said.
He further urged the government to prioritise disaster preparedness and planning across institutions, saying the country must move away from reactive responses after tragedies strike.
“As a nation, disaster preparedness and planning must be taken as an integral part of every government planning and not a knee-jerk reaction when disasters occur,” he said.
At least 16 students died in the fire that broke out at around 4.30am in the Meline Waithera dormitory block at Utumishi Girls Academy. Dozens of other learners were injured, with several admitted to hospitals in Gilgil.
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the inferno, which has sparked national mourning and renewed concerns over safety standards in boarding schools.
