The first of the 16 students who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has been released to her family for burial, marking the beginning of a painful period of mourning for families and the school community.

The late Zuhura Rama was released from the mortuary in Naivasha on Saturday and handed over to her father, Rama Higa, and other family members. Her body was later transferred to Coptic Hospital for preparation in accordance with Islamic burial rites before being airlifted to Mombasa.

Upon arrival, Zuhura's body is expected to be transported to Mkwakwani Village in Ukunda, where she will be laid to rest on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in Msambweni.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko announced arrangements to enable some of Zuhura's classmates to attend the burial. According to Sonko, flight tickets have been reserved for students wishing to travel to Kwale County to pay their final respects.

The students are scheduled to depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday. Due to limited flight availability, the return journey will be facilitated via the Standard Gauge Railway VIP service. Parents of interested students have been urged to coordinate the travel arrangements.

The release of Zuhura's body comes as grieving families continue to await the release of the remaining victims, following the devastating school fire that claimed the lives of 16 students and left the nation in shock.

In a message of condolence, Sonko expressed sympathy to Zuhura's family, friends, and the entire school community, describing the loss as heartbreaking. He noted that no parent should have to bury a child and no student should have to mourn a friend from afar.

The tragedy has sparked widespread grief across Kenya, with leaders, educators, and members of the public continuing to offer support to the affected families as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

Zuhura's burial on Sunday will be the first among the 16 students who perished in the disaster, as families begin the difficult process of laying their loved ones to rest. May her soul rest in peace.