Sonko Offers Funeral Support For Utumishi Girls’ Victims

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has offered to provide hearses and coffins at no cost to families of students killed in the dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which claimed 16 lives.

Speaking during a visit to the school alongside Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, Sonko said his foundation was prepared to help bereaved families ensure the students receive dignified burials.

He said the support would include transportation of remains to any part of the country for families unable to meet the costs, while emphasising that the government should first carry out its responsibilities before private assistance is provided.

“We want to ensure the departed girls get a decent send-off,” he said.

Sonko also urged authorities to strengthen safety measures in schools to prevent similar tragedies.

Earlier, he visited Nakuru General Hospital intending to check on injured students but was informed they had been transferred to Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi. He said he would travel back to Nairobi to visit the survivors and support their families.

The former governor’s remarks came as investigators continued efforts to establish the cause of the fire and identify the victims.