Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the Kenyan government to move beyond mourning and prayers following the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy and instead implement urgent and concrete reforms to improve safety standards in schools across the country.

Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast, Kalonzo emphasized that while national moments of grief and reflection are important, they must be matched with decisive action that prevents similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

He stressed that leaders should not allow emotional or religious gatherings to become the final point of response, but rather a starting point for policy implementation and accountability.

Kalonzo further stated that political leaders will ultimately be judged not by their speeches during times of tragedy, but by the practical steps they take to protect vulnerable citizens, especially school-going children.

He urged Kenyans and leadership institutions to honour the victims of the Utumishi Girls Academy fire by committing to long-lasting reforms that strengthen safety measures, emergency preparedness, and oversight in boarding schools across the country.

His remarks come at a time when the country is experiencing renewed public concern and debate over the safety of learners in boarding institutions, with many stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, improved infrastructure standards, and better disaster response mechanisms.

The incident has placed pressure on education authorities and government officials to reassess existing policies and ensure that schools are adequately prepared to handle emergencies and prevent loss of life in the future.