Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has pledged to cater for all funeral expenses for the 16 students who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls High School, as families continue to grapple with one of the country's deadliest school disasters in recent years.
In a statement posted on his social media accounts, Sonko said he would cover the cost of caskets, transportation of the bodies to their final resting places and other related burial expenses.
"We are experiencing tough economic times and this incident was devastating. I will foot all the funeral expenses and ensure the corteges are transported to any part of the country," he said.
The former governor noted that he felt compelled to support the affected families during their difficult moment, describing the tragedy as a national loss.
"I am Kenya's good deeds ambassador, and I feel obligated to stand with the families and help ease their burden," he added.
The pledge comes as the government continues to coordinate support for survivors and affected families. While authorities are yet to formally announce whether the State will assume funeral expenses, officials have intensified efforts to assist victims and investigate the circumstances surrounding the inferno.
Several students who sustained injuries during the fire have been receiving treatment in hospitals across the country, with some transferred to Nairobi for specialised care. Medical reports indicate that a majority of the injured students have since been discharged after responding well to treatment, while others remain under observation.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire have gathered pace. Detectives are pursuing a possible arson angle, with reports indicating that at least eight students are in custody or assisting investigators as inquiries continue.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over safety standards in boarding schools, emergency preparedness and student welfare. As the nation mourns the young lives lost, families are preparing to lay their loved ones to rest while awaiting answers on what caused the devastating blaze.
