A tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil has left the country in shock after a dormitory blaze at around 3am claimed the lives of 16 students and left more than 70 others injured.The disaster has triggered emotional scenes as parents rushed to the school seeking urgent information about their children.

Among the most widely circulated moments is a video showing a distressed father, visibly overwhelmed and shirtless, confronting authorities as he demanded clear answers about whether his daughter was dead, injured, or receiving treatment in hospital.In the video, the father insisted that he did not want vague explanations or delays, but straightforward confirmation of his child’s status.His emotional plea highlighted the anxiety and confusion experienced by families waiting for official communication after the tragedy.

The incident has sparked widespread public debate in Kenya about the handling of crisis situations by authorities, especially the speed and clarity of communication during mass casualty events.

Many Kenyans online criticised the response from officials and security officers, arguing that better coordination, faster identification of victims, and timely updates could reduce trauma for affected families.

Some commenters called for immediate deployment of counselling services, including organisations like the Red Cross, to support grieving and traumatised parents.Others emphasised that silence or delayed updates from leaders during such emergencies only increases panic and distress.

The tragedy has also raised questions about emergency preparedness and response around institutions, with some citizens pointing out the proximity of security installations to the school.

As investigations continue, the public is demanding accountability, improved crisis communication systems, and stronger psychological support for families affected by such devastating incidents.