Kenya mourns 16 schoolgirls as arson investigation deepens

Hundreds of mourners gathered in the central Kenyan town of Gilgil on June 12th to honor 16 schoolgirls who died in a dormitory fire this May, as calls for justice and improved school safety continue to grow, reports The Associated Press on June 12th.

The victims, students at Utumishi Girls Academy, were remembered during an emotional memorial service attended by family members, classmates, community leaders, and Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto. Authorities say the May 28th blaze was deliberately started, and nine students from the school have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police investigations indicate that the fire began after a mattress near a dormitory exit was set alight using paraffin and a matchstick. The suspects remain in custody while investigations continue, although officials have not disclosed a motive.

During the service, the girls’ remains were displayed in white coffins decorated with flowers and portraits. Students from the academy sang hymns in tribute to their classmates, while mourners reflected on the devastating loss suffered by the school community.

School captain Abigael Wanjiku described the victims as friends, study partners, teammates, and companions whose absence would be deeply felt for years to come. A representative of the parents broke down in tears while demanding accountability and justice for the families affected.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about school safety across Kenya. According to the Kenya Red Cross, the organization has responded to 37 school fires since the start of the year. While some incidents have been linked to student protests over disciplinary measures or examinations, others have been caused by electrical faults.

Safety advocates have long warned about overcrowded dormitories, limited emergency exits, and inadequate firefighting equipment in schools, factors that have contributed to previous fatal incidents.

Last month, Kenya’s Education Ministry suspended the principal of Utumishi Girls Academy for allegedly failing to comply with fire safety regulations. The ministry has also taken action against hundreds of schools following other deadly fire incidents in recent years.

Speaking at the memorial, religious leaders questioned how many more children and families would suffer before lasting changes are made to improve safety in Kenyan schools.

The Associated Press, Maghrebi.org