Pastor Kanyari offers message of comfort as requiem mass for Utumishi fire victims is held

Salvation Healing Ministry founder Pastor Victor Kanyari has joined Kenyans in mourning the 16 Utumishi Girls’ Academy students who lost their lives in a tragic dormitory fire, as a national requiem mass was held at Gilgil Sub-County Stadium in Nakuru County.

In a Facebook post on Friday, June 12, 2026, Kanyari expressed his deepest condolences to the families who lost their children in the fire tragedy, noting that the pain being experienced by parents, teachers, students, and the wider school community is heartbreaking.

He said he stands with all those affected during this difficult moment and extended prayers for strength, healing, and comfort.

“Our hearts are with the Utumishi Girls community during this painful moment of grief. On behalf of the people of Kasarani Constituency, I join the nation in mourning the tragic loss of 16 precious lives lost in the devastating fire tragedy. My deepest condolences go to the families, friends, students, teachers, and the entire school fraternity affected by this heartbreaking incident,” he wrote.

He emphasised that the nation is united in grief and called on Kenyans to support the grieving families through prayer and compassion as they come to terms with the loss of the young learners. Kanyari further urged continued faith and encouraged mourners to lean on God during the mourning period.

“May God grant strength, comfort, and healing to all those grieving. We stand with you in prayer and solidarity during this difficult time.  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” – Psalm 34:18,” he added.

The preacher made the remarks as the national requiem mass took place, bringing together hundreds of mourners, including families of the deceased, survivors, education officials, and political leaders. The emotional service honoured the 16 students who lost their lives in the May 28, 2026, fire incident.

Of the 16 victims, 15 caskets were present at the stadium service, while one student, Zuhura Rama, had already been buried in Kwale County in accordance with Islamic rites. After the requiem mass, the bodies were released to families for private burial arrangements.

Earlier in the day, 15 hearses departed from Naivasha Funeral Home in a solemn procession to transport the white caskets to Gilgil Sub-County Stadium, where mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects.

The service was also attended by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, among other leaders who called for unity, reflection, and improved safety in schools following the tragedy.

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