Cecilia Wanjiku, a student at Utumishi Girls Senior School, tragically died in the school fire on the night of May 28, 2026, while attempting to save fellow students.
In a statement on May 30, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gilgil Constituency, Martha Wangari, mourned the late Wanjiku, describing her as a bright and promising student whose academic achievements and selflessness had left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
“Today, we mourn the painful loss of Cecilia Wanjiku, a Form Four student from Kambi Somali, one of our bright NGCDF scholars whose future carried so much promise,” Martha Wangari said.
The Utumishi fire incident left 16 students dead and 79 injured.
Cecilia Wanjiku Remembered As a Top Performer
According to the legislator, Cecilia scored 399 marks in her KCPE examinations at Gilgil Highway Primary School before joining Karima Girls and later transferring to Utumishi Girls.
The MP said that the late Cecilia excelled academically and was recognized as the school’s top performer in sciences.
She reportedly maintained good grades throughout her studies, with her lowest mean grade being a B+.
The lawmaker noted that the late Cecilia had been selected to represent her school in a biology competition scheduled for June 6 at Amref University.
Also Read: Pembroke School Warms Hearts of Kenyans After Utumishi Academy Fire
Wanjiku was a Form Four student and previously received support from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
She also acknowledged Cecilia’s biology teacher, Joseph Karanja, for his mentorship and support throughout the student’s academic journey.
“Her bravery, brilliance and selflessness will forever remain in our hearts and in the hearts of all whose lives she touched,” the MP said.
Gilgil MP Wangari extended her condolences to Cecilia’s mother, Elizabeth Wanjiru, and the bereaved family, praying for their strength and comfort as they mourn the loss of the student.
Also Read: DCI Arrests 8 Students After Utumishi Girls Fire Tragedy
Survivor Recounts Escape From Burning Dormitory
A survivor of the Utumishi Girls Senior School fire recounted how students escaped the blaze, describing how students navigated through the burning dormitory to safety.
Speaking to the media on May 29, the student said that she had returned to the dormitory to collect her books but when trying to leave the dormitory, she encountered heavy smoke from the fire.
She explained that some exits were initially inaccessible, forcing her to turn back before finding an alternative route.
“On my way out, I met fire and smoke. I didn’t know what to do. The fire had blocked everything, so I went back. There was another room in the dorm, so I removed cardboard materials and managed to escape,” she said.
