Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mourned the victims of the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, describing the tragedy as painful and unfortunate.
In a statement issued Thursday, Gachagua said he was deeply saddened by the early morning fire incident that reportedly left several students dead and others injured.
He conveyed his condolences to the parents and families who lost their daughters in the tragedy, describing the victims as promising young girls whose lives had been cut short.
“I pass my deepest sympathies to the parents and families who have lostv their young promising daughters of our great nation. Please accept my deepest sympathies and my prayers for you,”Gachagua said in a statement.
The former Deputy President also wished injured students a quick recovery and expressed sympathy to students and parents affected and traumatized by the incident.
Gachagua called for speedy investigations into the cause of the fire, insisting that those found responsible through acts of commission or omission should face the full force of the law.
He further urged the government to prioritize disaster preparedness and planning, saying such tragedies should not continue occurring in modern-day Kenya.
The fire broke out at the school in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting emergency response efforts from police officers, firefighters, medical teams and humanitarian agencies.
