Pierra Makena mourns Utumishi Girls fire victims in emotional message
By Ascah Mwango, May 28, 2026Veteran DJ and media personality Pierra Makena has joined Kenyans in mourning following the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which has left families grieving and the country shaken.
In a statement shared via her Instagram page on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Pierra expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying she could only imagine the pain endured by the students and their parents as the news unfolded.
“It’s sad when we encounter such news. Thinking of the excruciating pain on kids, the fear of every parent receiving such news… My heart aches as a parent,” Pierra Makena stated.
The fire broke out at the school in the early hours of Thursday morning, engulfing a dormitory housing students while they were asleep. Emergency teams, including county disaster responders and the Kenya Red Cross, rushed to the scene as efforts to rescue students and contain the blaze began. Reports indicate that several students were trapped as the fire spread quickly through the building, creating panic and chaos in the middle of the night.
“It is a sad day for the country. We woke up to the heartbreaking news of a fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy, where lives have been lost and many others injured. We are still working to account for all the learners,” Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said.
According to official updates, at least 16 students are reported to have died, while 79 others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Most of the injured are said to be in stable condition, though some remain under close observation as medical teams continue to monitor their recovery.
“It is too early to conclude on the cause of the fire. Let us allow investigations to proceed so we understand exactly what happened and whether safety protocols were followed,” Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over safety standards in boarding schools across the country, with questions being raised about emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures, and dormitory infrastructure after reports that some students struggled to escape the burning building.
President William Ruto also conveyed his condolences, describing the incident as heartbreaking and assuring families of government support during this difficult time. Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross has been assisting with rescue operations, medical response, and psychosocial support for affected students and families.