Auntie Jemimah calls for justice as 16 Utumishi Girls are laid to rest
By Paulette Mboga, June 12, 2026Popular media personality and stand-up comedian Mercy Wangari Nguri, famously known as Auntie Jemimah, has called for justice for the 16 girls who lost their lives in the Utumishi Girls fire tragedy.
Her message came as families, friends and the nation gathered to bid farewell to the young learners during an emotional requiem mass held on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The media personality expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the girls as daughters, sisters, classmates and friends whose lives ended too soon. She said the tragedy had left many people grieving and searching for answers.
“Today we laid to rest sixteen daughters, sisters, classmates, and friends whose lives were stolen by a tragedy no child should ever endure,” Auntie Jemimah said.
She went on to remember the girls by name, highlighting the lives that were cut short. According to her, each of the learners had a future ahead of them that will now never be realised.
“Purity, Celestine, Nicole, Julia, Sheril, Jane, Abigail, Imani, Neema, Mercy, Precious, Cecilia, Fortune, Gertrude, Juliet, Zura,” Auntie Jemimah said.
The commentator reflected on the dreams and ambitions the girls carried with them. She noted that their absence would be felt by many people who knew and loved them.
“Sixteen names. Sixteen dreams. Sixteen futures that should still be unfolding today,” Auntie Jemimah said.
A nation in mourning
Auntie Jemimah said the pain of losing the girls would remain with their families, friends and teachers. She explained that many memories that should have been created in the future will now never come to pass.
“As we bid them a final farewell, our hearts remain heavy with grief. We mourn the laughter that was silenced, the ambitions left unfulfilled, and the countless memories that will never be made,” she said.
She also called for accountability following the tragedy. According to her, those responsible should be held to account, and justice should not be forgotten as the country continues to mourn.
“May their memories live on in the hearts of their families, friends, teachers, and all who were touched by their light. May justice never rest until those responsible are held accountable,” Auntie Jemimah said.
A requiem mass for the victims was held in Gilgil, Nakuru County, bringing together grieving families, schoolmates, friends and leaders. First Lady Rachel Ruto was among those who attended the service as the country paid its final respects to the learners.
“Rest in eternal peace, beautiful girls. You were loved, you mattered, and you will never be forgotten,” Auntie Jemimah said.