Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has stepped in to assist the family of one of the 16 students who died in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, helping with repatriation and burial arrangements.
The student, identified as Zuhura Rama, was released to her family and transported to the Coast ahead of burial.
According to Sonko, the body was first handed over to relatives at Naivasha Mortuary before being moved to Coptic Hospital Mortuary for preparation in line with Islamic rites.
Sonko assists family of Utumishi Girls fire victim in burial arrangements. Photo: Courtesy.
It was later airlifted to Mombasa and then transported to Ukunda, where the burial is scheduled to take place in Mkwakwani Village, Msambweni.
He also noted that flight arrangements were made to allow some of the deceased student’s classmates to attend the funeral and pay their last respects.
Due to limited flight availability, the return journey was arranged via SGR VIP.
Sonko further acknowledged the support of government agencies and humanitarian organizations, including the Kenya Red Cross and the County Government of Nakuru, in coordinating assistance for affected families.
He expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and the wider school community, noting the pain of losing young lives in the tragic incident as preparations for the burial continue.
The tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County occurred after a devastating dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.
The incident, which broke out at night, left several others injured and sparked a large emergency response from authorities, firefighters, and rescue teams.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the fire, which has left families and the nation in mourning.
