CONDOLENCES ON TRAGID DEATH OF LEARNERS AT UTUMISHI GIRLS ACADEMY
PRESS RELEASE
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) is deeply saddened as we pass this message of condolence to all parents and families of the 16 young students who passed away in the dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy earlier today. We assure you of our prayers that God will comfort and console you as you go through this painful and difficult period full of questions and emptiness. We are also praying for all those who were injured, physically and emotionally, for quick and complete healing and recovery.
The tragic death of these young learners is heartbreaking reminder that neglect of stipulated standards by government officials has very expensive consequences. The failure to enforce school safety standards and architectural requirements to ensure disaster and emergency readiness often results in devastating loss of human lives. For how long will the same speeches and promises and commitments be made after learners perish in fires without follow-through actions?
We remind all the officials neglecting their duty of the warning God has given in Psalm 7: 15 – 16
He wo digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made. The trouble he causes recoils on himself, his violence comes down on his own head.
The pain you cause to families will come back on you.
On their part, we implore the investigative organs to undertake thorough investigations to ensure that all individuals who contributed to the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy through their commissions or omissions face the requisite legal consequences. This must not be another anecdote in our history, rather, it must be a turning point when the nation says enough is enough and takes action to protect learners in school environments.
Signed on this 28th day of May 2026 at Jumuia Place, Nairobi.
Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui
General Secretary
