By News Desk
Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s administration over the continued occurrence of deadly school fire tragedies in Kenya, accusing the government of failing to enforce safety measures and hold those responsible accountable.
Speaking in response to the latest dormitory fire tragedy that claimed the lives of several students in 2026, Orwoba said the incident reflects a worrying pattern of negligence and weak leadership in the education sector.
She referenced the 2024 Hillside Endarasha Academy fire, where 21 students lost their lives, noting that despite investigations and public outrage, no meaningful accountability has been achieved.
“Two years later, we are mourning children again under almost similar circumstances. What lessons were learned after Endarasha? Who was held accountable?” Orwoba posed.
The former senator argued that repeated fire incidents in schools expose serious gaps in enforcement of safety regulations, dormitory inspections, emergency preparedness, and student protection policies.
Orwoba further criticized the government for what she termed as reactive leadership, saying authorities only respond after tragedies occur instead of implementing preventive measures.
She called on the Ministry of Education and other responsible agencies to urgently conduct comprehensive safety audits in all boarding schools across the country and ensure strict compliance with fire safety standards.
“We cannot normalize burying children because of negligence. Every child deserves a safe learning environment, and every parent deserves assurance that their children are protected in school,” she stated.
The outspoken leader urged the government to take decisive action against any individuals found culpable in the latest incident, warning that failure to enforce accountability would only encourage continued negligence.
Her remarks come amid national mourning and renewed calls for urgent reforms in school safety management following the latest deadly dormitory fire tragedy.
