Celebrity reactions to Utumishi Girls fire tragedy
By William Muthama, May 28, 2026Kenyan celebrities have joined the nation in mourning the victims of the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 students.
Comedian Njugush was among the first to react on Instagram on Thursday, May 28, 2026, expressing condolences to the affected families and wishing those injured a quick recovery.
“Condolences to the family and friends for the lost lives of Utumishi Girls’ Academy students and quick recovery to those injured,” Njugush said.
Musician Nameless and his wife Wahu shared a joint message expressing deep sorrow and describing the incident as heartbreaking.
“Sincere condolences to the families and friends of the innocent girls who have lost their lives at Utumishi Girls. This is extremely heartbreaking 💔. May our Heavenly Father be with them in this season,” Nameless and Wahu said.
Actress Kate also joined in mourning, sending condolences to bereaved families and praying for strength and healing.
“My sincere condolences to the bereaved families of Utumishi Academy 💔🕊️. Young lives were lost in today’s tragedy, and our hearts are truly broken. We stand with you in grief and pray for peace, healing, and strength. May God comfort you deeply during these painful days,” Kate Actress wrote.
Branding Coach Hannah Gichuki reflected on the magnitude of the loss, noting the dreams and futures of the young girls who were lost.
“Some stories are too painful for words. Young girls who woke up with dreams, plans, friendships, laughter and a future ahead of them, gone in one tragic moment. Today, Kenya mourns. Not just because lives were lost, but because possibilities were lost. Families will never be the same again. Classrooms will feel different. Beds will remain empty. And hearts across the country are carrying a grief too heavy to explain. May we hold these families in prayer. May we never become so used to tragedy that we stop feeling the weight of human loss. And may the souls of these beautiful girls rest in eternal peace,” Hannah Gichuki wrote.
The Utumishi Girls Academy fire has sparked nationwide grief, with leaders, citizens, and public figures continuing to call for support for affected families as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.