NAIROBI, Kenya — The Democracy for Citizens Party has called for the resignation of Kipchumba Murkomen following the deadly fire tragedy at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, that reportedly claimed the lives of at least 16 girls and left dozens injured.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the opposition party accused the government of failing to prioritize disaster preparedness and emergency response in schools despite repeated tragedies involving students over the years.
The party said the country continues to lose young lives in preventable disasters while critical legislative and institutional reforms remain delayed.
DCP Questions Government Preparedness
According to the statement, about 79 girls were injured in the fire incident, with several receiving treatment in hospitals.
“Any Nation that loses its young people in what could have been prevented must question their moral and responsible consciousness,” the statement read.
The party argued that Kenya has repeatedly witnessed school tragedies, citing incidents such as the St. Kizito tragedy, the Kyanguli Secondary School fire and the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire.
DCP questioned why the proposed National Disaster Response Management Bill had not been operationalised despite recurring emergencies affecting schools and communities.
Murkomen and Education Ministry Targeted
The party accused Murkomen of failing to coordinate a timely government response despite allegedly being informed about the tragedy during the night.
“A cabinet secretary who is an epitome of failure, Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen must take personal responsibility in the loss of the lives of the children,” the statement added.
The opposition outfit further criticised the handling of disaster response functions within government, claiming that key emergency management responsibilities had been weakened through administrative changes.
The statement also questioned the absence of senior government officials at the scene, including officials from the Ministry of Education.
Concerns Over School Safety
The tragedy has reignited concerns over fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in Kenyan boarding schools.
DCP questioned the safety of schools across the country, particularly in remote and insecure regions.
“How safe are our schools? If Utumishi Academy could lose 16 girls yet we have security agencies at stone throw? How safe are kids in Mandera, Garissa, Lodwar, Lamu and across the Country?” the party asked.
The concerns mirror broader national debate over infrastructure safety, emergency exits, overcrowding and compliance with school safety regulations issued by the Ministry of Education.
Pressure Mounts for Accountability
The party called for immediate censure of the Education Cabinet Secretary and demanded Murkomen’s resignation over what it termed government negligence.
The fire tragedy has once again drawn attention to Article 53 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which guarantees every child the right to protection, safety, and basic welfare.
The incident is also likely to intensify calls for investigations into compliance with school safety standards and implementation of disaster response mechanisms in learning institutions.
