Tributes pour in after confirmation Bishop Joseph Matura’s daughter died in Utumishi Girls fire
By Steve Ireri, May 31, 2026Tributes have continued to pour in following confirmation that the daughter of Family Chapel Ministries International founders Bishop Joseph Matura and Pastor Leah Matura was among the students who lost their lives in the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil.
The deceased, Purity Naisula Matura, was a Form Four student at the school and has been described by family, church leaders, friends, and political leaders as a bright, God-fearing young girl whose life was cut short while she still had a promising future ahead of her.
Among those who paid tribute was Pastor Danson Mwaniki, who revealed that he personally knew Purity through church ministry and student leadership activities.
In an emotional Facebook message on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Mwaniki described the late student as a brilliant and hard-working young lady who was actively involved in Christian Union activities and the school’s praise and worship team.
“I personally knew Purity Naisula, a form four student with a promising future. She was brilliant, always smiling, God-loving and very diligent. Every time I went to minister at Utumishi Girls, she was in the praise and worship team. I knew her as a CU official; we met several times at CU leaders’ training meetings,” he wrote.
According to the pastor, he frequently met Purity whenever he ministered at Utumishi Girls Academy and during Christian Union leaders’ training meetings.
Mwaniki recalled her warm personality, saying she was always smiling, diligent, and deeply committed to her Christian faith.
“Purity, we shall greatly miss you. I gave your dad the last words you sent me to tell him. Now you are at the feet of Jesus, the one you served and loved. Dance with the angels, Purity, you will forever be in our hearts,” he added.
He further disclosed that before her death, Purity had sent him a message intended for her father, adding that he had since delivered the final words to Bishop Matura.
The pastor expressed hope that Purity was now resting in the presence of Jesus, whom she loved and faithfully served during her lifetime.
“Though painful we surrender you into the Hands of the Almighty God till we meet again on that beautiful shore Rest in eternal peace our daughter. May all those who lost their loved ones find comfort in Christ Jesus, one day death shall be swallowed up,” he wrote.
Kajiado West MP George Sunkuyia also joined mourners in paying tribute to the late student.
The legislator revealed that he visited Bishop Matura’s family alongside Kajiado County Assembly Speaker Justus Kilesi Ngussur to offer condolences and stand with them during the difficult period.
Sunkuyia described the visit as deeply emotional, saying the family was grappling with immense pain following the tragic loss of their youngest daughter.
He called on Kenyans to keep Bishop Matura, Pastor Leah Matura, and the entire family in their prayers as they navigate one of the most painful moments of their lives.
“It was a deeply painful moment as we stood with the family in grief, offering comfort, solidarity, and prayers during this heartbreaking loss. Let us continue to remember Bishop Matura and his family in our prayers, asking God to grant them strength, peace, and comfort through this difficult time. Oseronyokie, Ewuaso ward,” he added.
Meanwhile, family member Kenny Tumpes shared a deeply personal tribute, describing Purity as more than just a cousin.
Tumpes said he held her in his hands when she was born and watched her grow up, adding that she looked up to him as an elder brother throughout her life.
He remembered Purity as a unifying figure within the family who regularly organised video calls whenever he was out of the country, ensuring relatives remained connected despite the distance.
“My heart was shattered and shaken to the core upon learning of the demise of my lovely little cousin Naisula, who lost her precious, promising life in the tragic Utumishi Girls Academy inferno. I held you in my hands when you were born and raised you like my little sister and you always looked up to me as your elder brother,” he wrote.
According to Tumpes, the conversations Purity facilitated often became moments of inspiration and bonding for the family.
He admitted that he was still struggling to come to terms with her sudden death, describing the loss as devastating and heartbreaking.
“You always organised conference video calls whenever I was out of the country and added both Lesh and Jemmy for a good catch-up, which was always an inspiration to all of you,” he added.