In Nakuru, a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy on Thursday, May 28, claimed the lives of 16 students.CCTV footage showed that the blaze was started deliberately, with students setting mattresses on fire.Eight learners were arrested in connection with the arson and are awaiting arraignment.Postmortem reports revealed that ten students died from suffocation, while others were burnt beyond recognition.Among the victims were 17-year-old Zuhra Rama Higa, who dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon, and Mercy Precious, who died trying to rescue friends.

Other students who perished include Sallystine Wambui Melly, Nicole Muiruri, Sheryl Ondari, Fortune Aimaya, Abigael Chepng'eno, Precious Wanjeri, Getrude Muthoni, and Cecilia Wanjiku.Families expressed outrage over how the tragedy happened despite the school being under national security oversight.Muslim families have requested the government to allow burials according to their traditions as delays in formal arrangements persist.The incident has raised questions about safety protocols in boarding schools and sparked nationwide grief and calls for stricter security measures.