Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has offered to provide VIP hearses and coffins free of charge to families of students who died in the tragic Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire.
He pledged when he visited the school in Gilgil to condole with affected families and assess the situation following the fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.
In a video seen by Whisperswire, the former Nairobi Governor wass accompanied by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari.
Speaking to the press outside the school, Sonko said his foundation and team were ready to support bereaved families and ensure the departed students receive dignified burials.
“We are also willing to extend our helping hand to the bereaved families by providing VIP hearses and coffins free of charge, alongside any other support necessary to ensure the departed students are given a dignified send-off,” he said.
“We want to ensure the departed girls get a decent send-off. However, we will leave it to the government first to do its part, but we remain available should there be any gaps that require support,” Sonko added.
The former governor also noted that the tragedy was an unexpected incident that had left many families devastated and in need of assistance.
Additionally , he said he was prepared to provide any support necessary to ease the burden on affected families.
Sonko further urged the government to strengthen safety measures in learning institutions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in future.
Before travelling to Gilgil, Sonko said he had visited Nakuru General Hospital intending to check on students injured in the fire but he found out they had been moved to Nairobi.
He now plans to go back to Nairobi and visit them.
