NAIROBI, Kenya- A fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil has left the nation in mourning after several students died in the tragedy, prompting calls for urgent action and accountability from leaders.
In a statement, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a devastating loss of young lives full of promise and potential.
“With a heart weighed down by profound grief, I join all Kenyans in mourning the precious lives of the young girls taken from us in the devastating fire,” he said.
He described the victims as children with bright futures, adding: “They were daughters, sisters, and friends; precious girls full of dreams, full of promise, full of life.”
Kalonzo extended his condolences to grieving families, saying there were no adequate words to comfort them in such a moment of loss.
“To the bereaved families: there are no words adequate for this moment. I stand with you, and I hold you in my heart and in my prayers,” he said.
He also wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the blaze, calling for national solidarity as they heal.
“To the injured students, may our Almighty God grant you swift and complete recovery. And may you feel the warmth of a nation surrounding you as you heal,” he added.
The opposition leader further urged political leaders attending the National Prayer Breakfast to ensure that prayers are followed by meaningful action.
“Let them translate into urgent and decisive action,” he said, warning that action rather than words would judge leadership.
“As leaders, we will be judged not by what we said in prayer this morning, but by what we did for the least of these in the days that follow,” he noted.
Kalonzo called for reforms and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, insisting that the lives lost must be honoured through concrete change.
“Let us honour these young lives not merely with tears and tributes, but with action that ensures no other family endures this unbearable pain,” he said.
He concluded his message with a verse from scripture, quoting Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
