Utumishi Girls Academy School Captain Abigael Wanjiku delivered an emotional tribute on behalf of the student body during the requiem mass for the 16 learners who lost their lives in the fire.
In a heartfelt tribute during the June 12 requiem mass, Wanjiku described the occasion as a day of sorrow, reflection and remembrance, saying the school community had gathered not only to mourn the girls whose lives were tragically cut short, but also to celebrate the impact they had on those around them.
“As students, we have lost more than classmates. We have lost sisters. We have lost friends, study partners, teammates and companions who shared our dreams, our laughter and our hopes for the future,” she said.
She noted that the pain of losing the 16 learners would linger with the students for a long time, saying their absence had created a void that words could not adequately describe.
Memories Shared Will Be Forever Remembered
Wanjiku said that although the dreams of the 16 girls had been interrupted, their legacy would continue to inspire the school community to work harder, care more deeply for one another and cherish every moment shared.
As candles were lit and prayers offered in honour of the victims, she reminded mourners that while death separates people physically, love and memories cannot be taken away.
She prayed for eternal rest for the 16 learners, comfort and strength for their families, healing and hope for the injured students and those deeply affected by the tragedy, and courage, unity and resilience for the entire school community as it seeks to rebuild and move forward.
Here is the Full Speech:
Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Mrs. Rachel Ruto, and all the distinguished guests, good morning. Good morning once more.
My name is Abigail Wanjiku, the school captain of Utumishi Girls Academy.
Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honour and remember the 16 beautiful souls whose lives were tragically cut short in the devastating fire that struck our school. This is a day of sorrow, reflection and remembrance; a day when we come together not only to mourn, but also to celebrate lives that touched our hearts and enriched our community.
As students, we have lost more than classmates. We have lost sisters. We have lost friends, study partners, teammates and companions who shared our dreams, our laughter and our hopes for the future. Their absence leaves a void that words cannot adequately describe, and the pain of losing them is one that we will carry for a long time.
To the families of our departed sisters, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. No words can fully ease the grief you are experiencing, but please know that we mourn alongside you. We share in your pain, keep you in our prayers and stand with you during this difficult journey.
Your daughters will forever remain cherished members of Utumishi Girls Academy, and their memories will continue to live on with us.
As we remember these 16 girls, we celebrate the lives they lived and the impact they made. Their kindness, determination, talents, friendship and unique personalities left a lasting mark on our school community. Though their time with us was far too short, the memories they created and the love they shared will remain in our hearts forever.
On behalf of all students of Utumishi Girls Academy, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who stood with us during this tragedy. Your prayers, messages of comfort, acts of kindness and unwavering support have been a source of strength during one of the darkest moments in our school’s history.
First and foremost, we would like to recognise and sincerely appreciate the mother of our nation, Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto. We are deeply grateful that despite your demanding schedule, you found time to be with us during this difficult period and to mourn alongside us.
Your presence, love and compassion have brought comfort and encouragement to our hearts. Thank you for the motherly support you have extended to us and for standing with us in our time of grief. May God bless you abundantly and reward you for your kindness.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Kenya Red Cross Society for its swift response, emergency support, counselling services and humanitarian assistance. Your compassion and dedication have provided comfort and hope to affected students and families when they needed it most.
Our sincere gratitude also goes to government agencies, healthcare workers, Nakuru County firefighters, security officers, religious leaders, teachers, parents and all well-wishers who stood with us throughout this difficult time. Your support has reminded us that we are not alone.
Our appreciation also goes to the surrounding community and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit.
While their dreams have been interrupted, the legacy of our departed sisters will continue to inspire us to work harder, care for one another more deeply and cherish every moment we share together.
Today, as we light candles of remembrance and offer our prayers, let us remember that although death separates us physically, love and memories can never be taken away. The bonds we shared with our sisters remain unbroken in our hearts.
May the souls of the 16 sisters rest in eternal peace. To their families, may God grant you comfort and strength. To the injured students and those deeply affected by this tragedy, may God grant you healing and hope. To our school community, may God grant us courage, unity and resilience as we move forward together.
And to all who have walked with us through this difficult journey, may God richly bless you for your compassion and kindness.
Though gone from our sight, our sisters will never be gone from our hearts.
Thank you.
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