A cross section of leaders have called for accountability and urgent action following the tragic fire at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru county, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left the country mourning yet another school disaster.
Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria has called for thorough and transparent investigations into the incident, saying the affected families deserve clear answers on what happened and who should be held responsible.
Archbishop Muheria conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, the school community and all those affected by the tragedy.
“We stand with the families who have lost their children in this painful tragedy. They deserve answers, they deserve truth, and they deserve accountability,” Muheria said.
He however cautioned political leaders against turning the tragedy into a political contest while investigations are still underway. He said the focus should remain on supporting the victims, establishing the truth and strengthening safety systems in schools.
Muheria also used the moment to raise broader concerns about the education sector, calling for a more consultative approach in addressing policy and administrative challenges affecting schools.
He warned that some of the difficulties facing the sector have been worsened by reforms introduced without adequate engagement with key stakeholders, including school sponsors, teachers, parents and education experts.
“The education sector cannot be managed through unilateral decisions. Any meaningful reform must involve the people who understand schools, learners and communities,” he said.
Muheria further opposed proposals to abolish school uniforms and phase out faith-based institutions, arguing that such institutions continue to play an important role in preserving identity, values and diversity within Kenya’s education system.
Separately, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua demanded swift action against anyone found culpable over the Utumishi Academy fire.
Speaking during a tour of Joytown Primary and Secondary schools in Thika, Karua said reports that one of the dormitories may have been locked from the outside were deeply disturbing.
“It is unacceptable that after previous tragedies, we are still hearing reports of dormitories being locked and children being unable to escape,” Karua said.
She questioned why lessons from past school fire incidents, including the Hillside Endarasha Academy tragedy, had not been fully implemented.
Karua said all schools must have clear emergency exits, functional safety systems and strict compliance with regulations to protect learners.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also urged the Ministry of Education to crack down on schools flouting safety regulations, saying enforcement must be strengthened to prevent further loss of life.
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