Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has stepped forward to support families affected by the devastating fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, pledging to cover key funeral expenses for the 16 students who lost their lives in the disaster.
Sonko made the commitment after visiting the school and meeting some of the injured students receiving treatment at Nakuru Level 5 Referral Hospital. The former county boss said he was deeply saddened by the loss of young lives and felt compelled to offer practical assistance to grieving families.
The tragedy struck after a fierce overnight fire swept through a dormitory at the school, killing 16 students and leaving many others injured. The incident has shocked the nation and reignited concerns about safety standards in boarding schools.
Speaking during his visit, Sonko announced that he would provide coffins for vulnerable families struggling to meet burial costs. He noted that the country’s difficult economic conditions have left many households unable to shoulder the financial burden that comes with laying loved ones to rest.
In addition to the coffins, Sonko pledged to facilitate the transportation of the victims’ bodies from the mortuary to their respective homes across the country. Through his logistics network, he said, hearses and transport vehicles would be made available to ensure that the students receive dignified send-offs.
While expressing sympathy for the victims, Sonko also raised concerns about safety measures at the institution. He questioned whether adequate emergency preparedness systems were in place and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the deadly fire.
He urged authorities to hold accountable anyone found responsible for negligence and called for a nationwide review of dormitory safety standards.
