In-pictures06 June 2026 - 20:30

[PHOTOS] Painful Goodbyes Begin: First of 16 Utumishi fire victims laid to rest as Sonko supports families

Painful goodbyes begin as first Utumishi Girls Academy fire victim is laid to rest, with Mike Sonko supporting family and classmates.

by STAR REPORTER

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Former Nairobi Governor and NEDP Party Leader Mike Sonko has announced the release of the first body among the 16 students who perished in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, as families begin the painful process of laying their loved ones to rest.

The body of student Zuhura Rama was on Saturday handed over to her father, Rama Higa, and other relatives at Naivasha Mortuary before being transferred to Coptic Hospital Mortuary for preparation in accordance with Islamic rites.

The body was later airlifted to Mombasa ahead of her burial scheduled for Sunday at Mkwakwani Village in Ukunda, Msambweni. In a statement, Sonko described the moment as heartbreaking and extended his condolences to all families affected by the tragedy.

“Today, the first of the 16 students who tragically lost their lives in the Utumishi Girls Academy fire has been released to her family,” Sonko said.

The former Governor also announced that he had facilitated transport arrangements for Zuhura’s classmates who wish to attend the burial. According to Sonko, flight tickets have been reserved for students traveling from Nairobi, with return arrangements made via the SGR.

“To give our beloved Zuhura the farewell she deserves, we have reserved flight tickets for her classmates who wish to attend her burial,” he said.

As the nation continues to mourn the victims of one of the country’s deadliest school tragedies in recent years, Sonko called for unity and support for the bereaved families.

“No parent should have to bury a child, and no child should have to mourn a friend from afar. May Allah grant Zuhura Jannatul Firdaus and give strength, comfort, and peace to all who mourn her,” he added.

The release of Zuhura’s body marks the beginning of a series of burials expected in the coming days as investigations into the cause of the deadly school fire continue.