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Kenyan families were overcome with grief as they mourned 16 schoolgirls killed in a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County.
The incident, which occurred on May 28, has intensified concerns about a wave of pupil protests affecting schools across the country.
During a mass at Nakuru’s Gilgil Stadium, approximately 120 kilometres north of Nairobi, mourners gathered to honour the victims. Small white coffins adorned with orange, white, and pink flowers were carried in procession while families wailed.
“Why, why God have you gone?” cried one girl over the coffin of a friend. At least three parents fainted, and one father had to be restrained amid the overwhelming sorrow.
Liz Munyaga, 46, whose 17-year-old niece Gertrude died in the fire, expressed shock at the tragedy.
“I have never expected something like this. A school is supposed to be the safest place for children,” she said, adding, “Why turn (on) a fellow schoolmate? That is the question we are all asking.”
The blaze trapped students in a two-storey dormitory in the middle of the night. Sixteen children aged 15 to 18 died, and 132 were injured, according to the Red Cross. Nine pupils remain in custody as authorities investigate the cause.
Rosie, 15, recalled her terrifying escape: “I was very scared, it was so terrifying, (but) even as I was jumping I was remembering that there were some girls left behind.” She also spoke emotionally about losing her best friend Abigail, saying, “It is really painful to me. We have been so traumatised.”
Kenya has seen 47 school fires this year, often linked to student protests over exam stress, corruption, and poor conditions in boarding schools.
