Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has strongly defended the county government’s emergency response capabilities after Senator Tabitha Keroche questioned the adequacy of fire-fighting resources in the county following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy.
The exchange occurred on Friday, June 18, during a requiem mass held in honour of the 16 students who lost their lives in the devastating dormitory fire that has plunged the county into mourning.
Addressing mourners at the event, Senator Keroche raised concerns about the county’s preparedness to handle fire emergencies, suggesting that improved fire-response infrastructure and additional fire engines could have helped save more lives during the tragedy.
Kihika Fires Back at Keroche Over Nakuru Fire Response Criticism. Photo: Courtesy.
She called on the county government to invest in fire-fighting equipment and ensure that every sub-county is adequately equipped to respond to disasters promptly.
However, Governor Kihika responded by defending the county administration’s actions during the incident.
She maintained that Nakuru County’s fire department was instrumental in containing the blaze and preventing further destruction.
According to the governor, the county’s emergency response team was the first to arrive at the scene and played a key role in extinguishing the fire before it could spread to other parts of the school.
Kihika also took issue with what she described as inaccurate claims regarding the county’s response, urging leaders to verify information before making public statements, especially during a period of grief for the affected families.
Beyond concerns about emergency preparedness, the memorial service also highlighted acts of bravery displayed during the disaster.
Senator Keroche called for special recognition of Cecilia Wanjiku, a Form Four student who reportedly lost her life while attempting to rescue fellow students trapped in the inferno.
The senator described the late student as a symbol of courage and selflessness, arguing that her actions reflected extraordinary heroism in the face of danger.
She urged the county government to consider honouring Wanjiku’s sacrifice and preserving her legacy as an inspiration to future generations.
The Utumishi Girls Academy fire remains one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years, with investigations into its cause still ongoing as families, school officials, and government agencies continue to seek answers.
