NAKURU, Kenya — Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has offered to provide VIP hearses and coffins free of charge to families of students who died in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil.
Sonko made the pledge on Saturday during a visit to the school to condole with bereaved families and assess the situation following the dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.
He was accompanied by Martha Wangari.
Speaking outside the school, Sonko said his foundation and support team were prepared to assist affected families and ensure the deceased students receive dignified burials.
“We are also willing to extend our helping hand to the bereaved families by providing VIP hearses and coffins free of charge, alongside any other support necessary to ensure the departed students are given a dignified send-off,” he said.
“We want to ensure the departed girls get a decent send-off.”
The former governor said his team would allow the government to carry out its responsibilities first before stepping in to address any gaps that may arise during the response process.
“We will leave it to the government first to do its part, but we remain available should there be any gaps that require support,” Sonko said.
He described the tragedy as a devastating incident that had left many families grieving and in need of assistance.
Sonko pledged additional logistical support, including transportation of victims’ remains to various parts of the country for burial.
“If there are parents who are unable to transport the remains of their loved ones, we shall support them to any part of the country,” he said.
Sonko also urged the government to strengthen safety standards in learning institutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We must put in place adequate measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. The safety of our children in schools must remain a priority,” he said.
His remarks come as authorities continue investigations into the cause of the fire, with preliminary findings pointing to serious safety lapses and possible arson.
Before travelling to Gilgil, Sonko said he had initially visited Nakuru General Hospital intending to check on students injured in the fire.
However, he was informed that the injured learners had been transferred to hospitals in Nairobi for specialised treatment.
“Unfortunately, I was informed that all the injured students had been transferred to Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi,” he said.
The former governor announced plans to return to Nairobi to visit the injured students and assess their condition.
“I will now travel back to Nairobi to visit them, see how they are responding to treatment, and stand with their families during this painful moment,” he said.
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Sonko extended his condolences to the affected families, students and teachers, calling for national unity and support during the difficult period.
“My prayers remain with all the affected students, parents and teachers. May God grant quick recovery to the injured and comfort to the bereaved families,” he said.
The fire, one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years, has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards in boarding schools across Kenya.
Investigations remain ongoing as forensic experts and detectives work to identify victims, establish the cause of the blaze and determine whether any individuals may bear responsibility.
