President William Ruto has mourned the students who lost their lives following a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, describing the tragedy as a painful moment for the nation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the President said Kenya stood united in grief with the families, teachers, and students affected by the deadly dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left more than 74 others injured.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” President Ruto said.

“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future,” he added.

The Head of State said the government’s immediate priority was to ensure rescue operations, treatment for the injured, and support for families affected by the incident.

“Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire,” he stated.

“As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.”

President Ruto also prayed for comfort and strength for the grieving families during the difficult period.

“May God grant comfort and strength to the grieving families during this painful time. Poleni sana,” he said.

The fire reportedly broke out at around 1am on Thursday morning at the school located in Gilgil, Nakuru County. According to the Kenya Red Cross, the incident was officially reported at approximately 3.30am, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the institution.

In a statement, the humanitarian agency confirmed that rescue and support operations were ongoing.

“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” the organisation said.

Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, with investigations continuing as families anxiously await answers.

The tragedy has left parents and guardians devastated, with many recounting horrifying scenes as students attempted to escape from the burning dormitory.

One guardian who spoke at the scene described how some learners jumped from the upper floors of the building in a desperate bid to save their lives.

“Those who were on the upper floor were jumping, and that is why most of them were hurt. We have heard that some of them were burnt and are in the hospital,” the guardian said.

“We have not been told how many students have passed on. I’m lucky to have found my aunt’s child. She has a broken leg, but she will be fine.”

The guardian also called on the government to conduct swift investigations into the cause of the fire.

“I condole with the parents who have lost their children. I ask the government to conduct a speedy investigation to find out what happened,” she added.

Emergency responders, health workers, and rescue teams remain at the scene as authorities continue assessments and support affected students and families.

A devastating fire tragedy struck Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, after a dormitory caught fire in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving at least 10 students feared dead.

The incident triggered panic and emotional scenes outside the school as parents, teachers, and residents gathered anxiously awaiting information about the fate of the students.

According to reports, the fire is believed to have started at around 1am before spreading through the dormitory. Emergency responders were alerted shortly afterward, with the Kenya Red Cross confirming that the incident was officially reported at approximately 3:30am.

In a statement, the humanitarian agency said rescue and emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the school to assist in containing the fire and supporting affected students.

“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” the organisation stated.

The Kenya Red Cross further confirmed that psychosocial support teams had already arrived at the institution to assist traumatised students, teachers, and parents as uncertainty continued to surround the scale of the tragedy.

“Our first responders, E-Plus ambulance crew and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities,” the organisation added.

Police officers alongside detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were deployed to the school shortly after the incident, with authorities launching investigations and conducting a head count to establish the exact number of students who were in the dormitory at the time of the fire.

Rift Valley Regional Commander Masoud Munyi confirmed that access to the school had been restricted to parents only as rescue operations and investigations continued.

“We have deployed our officers and DCI detectives to the school, and a head count is currently underway to establish exactly how many students were present at the time of the fire. For now, only parents will be allowed access into the school,” Munyi stated.

Outside the school gates, emotional scenes unfolded as worried parents streamed into the institution seeking information about their children. Some parents expressed frustration and fear, saying they were still unable to confirm the condition or whereabouts of their daughters hours after the fire.

The injured students were reportedly rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment and medical assessment.

The tragic incident adds to the growing concern over rising cases of school fires in Kenya, incidents that have in recent years disrupted learning and, in some cases, resulted in deaths and destruction of property. Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation to determine the cause of the deadly blaze.

Residents and businesses in Utawala and Mihango, located in Nairobi’s Upper Embakasi area, are racing against time to comply with a directive issued by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company requiring all unmetered water and sewer connections to be regularised by May 28, 2026.

In a public notice, the utility company warned that customers who fail to meet the deadline will face hefty penalties and immediate enforcement measures aimed at curbing illegal water usage.

According to Nairobi Water, the ongoing compliance and metering exercise seeks to address illegal connections, improve revenue collection, and ensure accurate billing in the rapidly expanding residential areas.

“Nairobi Water is undertaking a compliance and metering exercise in the Utawala and Mihango areas. All customers with unmetered connections are granted a 21-day grace period ending 28th May 2026 to regularise their water and/or sewer connections,” the company stated.

The firm further noted that non-compliant customers will be subjected to significant fines after the expiry of the grace period. Domestic users found with illegal or unmetered connections risk a penalty of KSh 30,000, while commercial users could face fines of up to KSh 100,000.

In addition to the penalties, affected customers will be required to pay backdated water consumption charges dating from October 2024, based on estimated usage.

Nairobi Water also warned that illegal connections may be disconnected, with customers required to pay a reconnection fee of KSh 5,000 alongside double deposit charges. Sewer service disconnections, where applicable, will attract an additional cost of KSh 15,000.

The crackdown is part of the company’s broader efforts to digitise services, reduce non-revenue water losses, and strengthen accountability in water distribution across Nairobi County.

Rapid urban growth in peri-urban estates such as Utawala and Mihango has reportedly contributed to increased cases of unregulated water connections, leading to substantial revenue losses for the utility provider.

To ease the compliance process, Nairobi Water has encouraged customers to apply for regularisation through its online portal. Residents can also seek assistance physically at the Shujaa Mall offices along Kayole Spine Road or contact the Upper Embakasi office through official communication channels for support.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has once again found himself at the center of political debate after intensifying criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, sparking sharp reactions from leaders allied to the current government.

In recent weeks, Uhuru has openly faulted Ruto’s leadership style, accusing the administration of prioritizing political battles over pressing national concerns. Among the issues he highlighted is the country’s fuel situation, which he argues has placed a heavy burden on ordinary Kenyans while leaders remain distracted by political confrontations.

The remarks have drawn strong responses from senior government officials, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, a vocal supporter of President Ruto.

Speaking during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 27, Duale dismissed Uhuru’s criticism as politically motivated. He claimed the former president’s continued attacks on the Kenya Kwanza administration are aimed at undermining Ruto’s leadership rather than offering genuine guidance.

Duale urged Uhuru to follow the example set by previous retired presidents who stepped away from active political engagements after leaving office. According to the CS, former leaders such as Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki allowed succeeding administrations to govern without constant interference.

The Cabinet Secretary further alleged that Uhuru’s criticism of Ruto stems from long-standing political differences dating back to the period when Ruto served as deputy president in the previous administration.

He accused the former head of state of disguising personal grievances as constructive criticism, warning that persistent attacks on the current government risk fueling unnecessary political tension in the country.

The exchange reflects the growing political rivalry between the two leaders, whose relationship has significantly deteriorated since the 2022 General Election. As both camps continue trading accusations, the political atmosphere remains tense, with allies on either side increasingly taking public positions on national leadership and governance.

Matatu operators have called off their strike for one week following an agreement with the government to hold high-level consultations aimed at resolving a bitter dispute over fuel prices that had paralysed public transport across the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the suspension on Monday, saying both sides had agreed on the urgent need for structured dialogue before any further industrial action.

Government Calls for Dialogue

“There was need for negotiations with the stakeholders at a high level and they will take place within the next one week,” Murkomen said, adding that the temporary halt to the strike was necessary to restore normalcy and create space for meaningful engagement.

“The strike to be suspended for one week to provide an avenue for consultations,” he said.

The announcement brings temporary relief to millions of Kenyans who had endured days of transport chaos triggered by protests over rising fuel prices. Many commuters were left stranded at bus stops, forced to walk long distances or pay significantly inflated fares as the industrial action took hold.

Transport Sector Welcomes the Breakthrough

Federation of Public Transport Sector CEO Kushian Muchiri welcomed the development, confirming that negotiations had already begun in earnest. However, he did not shy away from expressing frustration that earlier engagement could have prevented the disruption altogether.

“As much as we would have been happy, we are also glad that at least negotiations have started in earnest,” Muchiri said.

“Had we been taken seriously on Friday we would not be here,” he added pointedly, before calling on all transport sector members to immediately resume operations in the interest of their customers.

Muchiri struck a confident note on the outcome of the talks, promising members that the sector would deliver results within the agreed timeline.

“We want to assure our members that within the next seven days we shall have done the best of negotiations,” he said.

Deputy President Defends Fuel Levy, Announces Diesel Reduction

Separately, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki weighed in on the fuel pricing debate, defending the government’s decision to retain a portion of the fuel levy, arguing that the funds remain indispensable for road construction and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

“The remaining portion of tax is essential for the construction of our road infrastructure and the maintenance of the roads to support the economy,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President acknowledged the need to protect citizens from the full brunt of rising fuel costs but stressed that any relief measures must be carefully balanced against the funding requirements of other essential public services.

“The right balances must be maintained to ensure that as we sort out the fuel price issue, we do not disrupt the funding for other equally important sectors like education and social services,” he said.

In a move signalling the government’s willingness to ease the pressure, Kindiki announced a Sh10 reduction in the price of diesel per litre, describing it as part of a broader effort to cushion Kenyans from the impact of a global fuel price surge.

What Happens Next

With operators back on the road and talks now formally underway, the coming week will be critical. Both sides have set clear expectations — operators want tangible relief from the elevated cost of running vehicles, while the government must navigate the twin pressures of public demand for cheaper fuel and the need to protect revenues that fund roads, schools and social programmes.

If the talks fail to produce a satisfactory outcome within the seven-day window, a return to industrial action remains a real possibility — one that neither side, nor the millions of Kenyans who depend on matatus daily, can afford.

There was dramatic turn of events within the police service after the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station was arrested over the alleged unlawful release of dozens of suspects linked to recent anti-fuel price protests.

The senior police officer, a Chief Inspector attached to the station, was arrested on Monday by fellow officers acting on instructions from senior police commanders. He was later detained at Lang’ata Police Station as investigations into the incident commenced.

According to police authorities, the officer is under investigation for allegedly abusing his office after reportedly releasing 64 suspects without lawful authority on May 18. The suspects had been arrested during demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel and were facing public order-related offences.

Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed the arrest, stating that the officer is accused of improperly using his authority to confer an unlawful benefit through the release of the detainees.

“We are handling the matter internally before we decide the way forward,” Mohamud said.

Under police regulations, OCSs have the authority to release suspects from custody under certain circumstances. However, investigators are now seeking to establish whether proper procedures were followed in this particular case.

The protests, which erupted in several parts of the country, resulted in widespread chaos, arrests, injuries, and destruction of property. Police reported that nearly 1,000 people were arrested nationwide, with more than 200 arrests made in Nairobi alone.

Authorities further stated that at least four people lost their lives while over 30 others sustained injuries during the unrest. Several vehicles were burnt, businesses vandalised, and property looted in different areas affected by the demonstrations.

Public transport operations were also disrupted as some operators withdrew services amid fears of insecurity and continued protests.

Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen accused politicians of infiltrating the demonstrations and sponsoring criminal activities under the guise of peaceful protests. Speaking in Nairobi, Murkomen claimed that criminal gangs had been mobilised to loot businesses, attack government projects, and intimidate supporters of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The CS maintained that while the government respects the constitutional right to protest, acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property would not be tolerated.

“Looting, violence, blocking roads, and vandalising public and private property can in no way bring down the prices,” Murkomen said.

He linked the increase in fuel prices to the global energy crisis caused by ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly raised global shipping and insurance costs.

Murkomen also alleged that some opposition politicians were using inflammatory statements to incite violence and ethnic intolerance. He cited incidents including the burning of a UDA office in Wote, looting of businesses linked to pro-government leaders, and attacks on infrastructure projects as signs of organised political sabotage.

Additionally, the Interior CS referenced the death of gospel musician Rachel Wandeto, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during the chaos, warning that those behind violence and destruction would face legal consequences.

“It is quite unfortunate that there are politicians in this country who measure the success of opposition to the government by the number of innocent lives lost,” he said.

Investigations into both the protests and the alleged unlawful release of suspects remain ongoing.