Families, friends and community members gathered in Kenya on Friday to mourn 16 schoolgirls who died in a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, as concerns grow over a rising wave of school fires across the country.
The victims, aged between 15 and 18, lost their lives when a dormitory caught fire during the night on May 28. According to the Red Cross, 132 other students sustained injuries in the incident. Authorities have detained nine students from the academy, which primarily serves children of police officers, while investigations continue.
During a memorial mass at Gilgil Stadium, around 120 kilometres north of Nairobi, emotional scenes unfolded as mourners paid their final respects. Relatives wept openly, several parents fainted, and emergency responders attended to those overwhelmed by grief.
“I have never expected something like this. A school is supposed to be the safest place for children,” said Liz Munyaga, whose niece, Gertrude, died in the fire.
The tragedy forms part of a broader pattern of unrest in Kenyan schools. Authorities have recorded 47 school fires this year, with students protesting issues ranging from examination pressure and corruption to poor boarding conditions.
Survivor Rosie, 15, recalled escaping through a first-floor window after flames engulfed the dormitory. Reflecting on the loss of her friend Abigail, she said, “It is really painful to me. We have been so traumatised.”