The National Assembly has addressed some media reports claiming that national leaders ignored the tragic Utumishi Girls Academy fire during the National Prayer Breakfast on May 28.
In a statement dated May 29, 2026, the National Assembly stated that the reports are false and misleading.
“Claims in the media that National Leaders ignored the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls during the National Prayer Breakfast are misleading and do not reflect what transpired at the event,” the statement read.
Presidential Remarks and Official Acknowledgment
The House clarified that President William Ruto addressed the tragedy during his official remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park Hotel.
Also Read: DCI Arrests 8 Students After Utumishi Girls Fire Tragedy
Ruto expressed sympathy and called for national unity in mourning the victims. He extended his condolences to the affected families. Ruto then invited the First Lady, Rachel Ruto, to lead the congregation in prayers for the victims and all those affected.
The National Assembly further rejected interpretations that suggested negligence or silence by national leaders regarding the incident. It stressed that public communication during such national moments should be accurate and avoid misrepresenting official proceedings.
“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the incident was ignored, as the leadership publicly recognized the tragedy and joined the nation in mourning and prayer. The National Assembly in its entirety mourns with the bereaved families during this tragic period,” read part of the statement.
President Ruto Mourns Utumishi Girls Fire Victims
Utumishi Girls Academy Fire Inferno
According to preliminary accounts from survivors and witnesses, the blaze broke out at around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday while students were asleep, leaving 16 students dead and 79 injured. Students were unable to access the emergency door after it was allegedly locked
Panic reportedly gripped the school as students attempted to escape the burning dormitory, with some survivors alleging that one of the exits remained locked during the emergency, trapping several learners inside as smoke and flames rapidly spread through the building.
Emergency response teams, including local fire brigades, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) personnel, National Youth Service (NYS) officers and medical crews managed to contain the fire after several hours.
The school has since been closed indefinitely as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) continue investigations into the cause of the tragedy.
Authorities have not officially determined what sparked the Gilgil fire, although some survivor accounts have pointed to suspected arson involving mattresses inside the dormitory.
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