By News Desk
The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, today joined families, learners, teachers, and the wider Utumishi Girls Academy community for a solemn requiem Mass held in honour of the students who tragically lost their lives in the devastating fire that struck the institution.
Speaking during the memorial service, the First Lady conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the nation’s support during this difficult period. She emphasized that the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety measures in learning institutions across the country.
“As we condole with and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families, we must also rededicate ourselves to confronting the underlying challenges that continue to give rise to such tragedies,” she stated.
Mama Rachel Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every learner studies in a safe, secure, and supportive environment. She noted that protecting the lives and well-being of children remains a national priority and called for collective responsibility among parents, teachers, school administrators, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
The First Lady underscored the importance of adopting a multi-stakeholder approach in addressing the recurring incidents of school fires and unrest, saying sustainable solutions can only be achieved through collaboration and proactive interventions.
“The Government remains firmly committed to building a school system in which every learner is safe, secure, and able to fully realise their potential. Through a multi-stakeholder approach, we will continue to engage all relevant actors in developing and implementing lasting solutions to stem this challenge in our institutions,” she added.
The requiem Mass brought together leaders from the education sector, religious leaders, parents, and students who paid tribute to the young lives lost and offered prayers for healing and comfort to the affected families.
The tragic incident has reignited national conversations on school safety, emergency preparedness, student welfare, and the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent future disasters in educational institutions. As the country mourns, leaders have called for renewed vigilance and accelerated reforms to safeguard learners across Kenya.
