Families to Receive Bodies of Utumishi Fire Victims on Friday

Families of the 16 schoolgirls who died in the fire at Utumishi Girls’ Senior School will attend a requiem mass at Gilgil Stadium on Friday, 12 June, before taking their daughters' remains for burial.

The announcement follows consultations between government officials and the affected families, who had objected to an earlier plan to release the bodies on 17 June. Although DNA identification had been completed, parents left the mortuary at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital disappointed after they were unable to collect the remains of their children.

Gilgil Deputy County Commissioner Stanley Mutai said the revised arrangements were agreed after discussions with the families. The requiem mass will begin at 9 a.m. and is expected to end by midday to allow relatives enough time to travel to their chosen burial locations.

“We hope to be done by noon in order to allow for families to travel with the remains of their loved ones in good time,” Mr Mutai said.

The government has also pledged financial and logistical support for the funerals. Each family will receive Sh200,000 to help cover burial expenses, while hearses will be provided to transport the bodies. Relatives attending the requiem mass will also be transported in 14-seater matatus.

The tragedy has deeply affected the Gilgil community, and the memorial service is expected to bring together residents, leaders and families to honour the victims.