Gilgil Hosts Requiem Mass for 16 Utumishi Academy Fire Victims as Families Prepare for Burials
Hundreds of mourners are expected to gather at Gilgil Stadium today for a requiem mass in honour of the 16 girls who lost their lives in the Utumishi Academy fire tragedy.
Hearses line up ahead of a requiem mass at Gilgil Stadium for the 16 girls who perished in the Utumishi Academy fire, as families, leaders, and members of the public gather to pay their final respects. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
A requiem mass for the 16 girls who died in the tragic fire at Utumishi Academy will be held today, June 12, 2026 in Gilgil.
The memorial service is set to happen at Gilgil Stadium where hundreds of mourners, government officials religious leaders and members of the public are expected to show up, to honour the lives of the young learners.
Before the service, fifteen hearses were lined up at Naivasha Funeral Home to move the bodies of the victims to the venue. After the memorial, the remains will be handed over to their families, so they can prepare for burial in their respective home areas.
A heavy feeling still hangs over the school community and the grieving households, as they slowly come to terms with the loss and try to prepare for a final sendoff for their loved ones.
One of the victims was laid to rest on Sunday in Kwale County, after her body was released earlier to the family, which made her the first among the 16 girls to be buried.
The fatal fire that took the students’ lives, left the country stunned, and it has also brought back demands for tougher fire safety checks in schools and other learning places, to reduce the chances of similar tragedies in the future.
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