“OUR CHILDREN MUST BE SAFE” — NORTH RIFT CLERICS DEMAND FULL PROBE INTO DEADLY UTUMISHI ACADEMY FIRE

North Rift Muslim leaders have called for immediate and thorough investigations into the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Academy in Nakuru County that reportedly claimed the lives of more than 16 students and left several others nursing injuries.

The clerics said the heartbreaking incident has plunged the nation into mourning and raised serious concerns about the safety and preparedness of schools in handling emergencies.

Speaking to Vipasho News during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations held in Maili Nne, the religious leaders led by North Rift Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) chair Sheikh Abubakar Bini said the country deserves answers regarding the circumstances that led to the deadly inferno.

According to the leaders, parents across the country are now living in fear and uncertainty over the safety of their children in boarding schools and learning institutions.

“It is a very painful and dark moment for the nation. We are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent young lives. We send our heartfelt condolences to the affected families, friends, teachers, and the entire school community,” said Sheikh Bini.

“These children had dreams, ambitions, and a future ahead of them. They did not deserve to die in such a tragic and painful manner. We want a very thorough, transparent, and independent investigation to establish the real cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries at Utumishi Academy,” he added.

The clerics noted that the tragedy has exposed major gaps in safety standards within schools, particularly in emergency preparedness, fire response systems, and student protection measures.

Bini said the government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that learners are safe while under the care of educational institutions.

“Our schools are supposed to be safe places where children learn and grow. The government must strengthen safety mechanisms, conduct regular inspections, and ensure all institutions comply with emergency preparedness regulations,” he said.

The Muslim leaders argued that many parents entrust schools with the lives of their children, and therefore authorities must ensure that institutions are equipped with proper fire exits, emergency response systems, and trained personnel capable of handling disasters.

The clerics also challenged school administrators across the country to prioritize student welfare and safety instead of waiting for tragedies to occur before action is taken.

They called for regular fire drills, installation of firefighting equipment, improved dormitory inspections, and enhanced surveillance systems in schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“As religious leaders, we believe that every child’s life is precious. Such incidents should never be allowed to happen again. We are urging all responsible agencies to move with speed and seriousness in uncovering the truth behind this tragedy,” Bini stated.

At the same time, the clerics warned politicians against exploiting the tragedy for political mileage, saying the focus should remain on supporting grieving families and finding lasting solutions to school safety challenges.

“As the clergy, we are asking politicians not to politicize this tragedy. This is not the time for blame games or political battles. Families are mourning, some students are still in hospital, and the country is in pain. Leaders should instead comfort the affected families and support investigations,” Bini added.

Another Muslim leader, Jamal Diriwo, said the incident had shaken the entire nation and robbed many families of hope and happiness.

“It has been a very heavy and emotional moment for the country, especially for parents who have lost their children in such a devastating way. Some parents took their children to school hoping they would secure a better future, only to receive heartbreaking news of their deaths,” said Diriwo.

He insisted that student safety must remain a top priority in every learning institution, adding that schools must invest more in emergency preparedness and crisis response systems.

“Our children should always be safe while under the custody of schools. Parents should never fear for the lives of their children whenever schools reopen,” he said.

The leaders further appealed to the government to provide psychological support and counseling services to survivors, affected families, teachers, and students traumatized by the incident.

They also urged Kenyans to stand in solidarity with the grieving families through prayers and emotional support during this difficult period.

The tragedy has already triggered heightened safety measures in several schools across the country, with administrators reportedly reviewing emergency response plans and intensifying surveillance within school compounds.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba ordered the indefinite closure of Utumishi Academy to pave the way for investigations into the cause of the fire.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured parents and Kenyans that the government would conduct comprehensive investigations to establish the source of the inferno and ensure accountability.

Murkomen also called on the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work professionally without interference.

As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on authorities to not only establish what caused the deadly blaze but also implement long-term reforms aimed at improving safety standards in schools across the country.