The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has commiserated with the Utumishi Girls Academy community following the recent tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of 16 students in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya’s Rift Valley region.
In an official statement, signed by the Rector and Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, CUE extended its heartfelt sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones, as well as to the school’s students, staff, leadership, and wider community.
“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Utumishi Girls Academy family and friends following the sudden and unfortunate fire tragedy that claimed students’ lives,” Prof. Mbugua noted.
Further expressing the sentiments of the University, the Vice Chancellor, who stated that he received the news of the fire “With profound shock, utter grief and deep sorrow,” maintained that “As a University, we join the nation in mourning the departed who lost their lives during the tragic fire.”
Credit: justconnecttv’s Instagram/MSN.
He used the medium to pray for all those who were injured, their families, stakeholders and others who are affected by the tragedy.
“And as we pray for the departed souls, we also pray for their families and friends at this difficult time.
“We further pray for the quick recovery of all the students injured during the tragic fire and for all those who been affected directly or indirectly by this fire tragedy.
“We also pray for the parents, families and stakeholders of Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School. May good grant you grace to sail through this difficult moment with courage, hope, and grace,” the University noted.
The statement also underscored the importance of compassion, faith, and community, while entrusting all concerned to God’s comfort.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan Minister of Education, Julius Migos told confirmed that the fire which broke out just after midnight at the Senior Secondary School burned for more than two hours.
The school gate. Credit: Kenyans.co.ke.
Mr. Migos disclosed that although 79 students aged between 15 and 18 years were injured, 71 of them had already been discharged from the hospital.
The Education Minister, who noted that “the cause of the fire is not yet identified,” assured the general public that “investigations are ongoing.”
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of Kenyans.co.ke.
