Murkomen blames negligence for Utumishi deadly fire

Utumishi Girls Academy, Gilgil

Possible negligence by the school administration might have contributed to the deadly inferno at Utumishi Girls Academy, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

He said those responsible will be punished.

At least 16 students died in the fire while seven others are in hospital.

“There is a standard safety procedure that the school was to adhere to. One side of the dormitory with an emergency exit door had been locked, and it’s where we lost 10 students,” he said.

Police have so far questioned 50 people including teachers, guards and students over the incident.

Some teachers had prior information on the planned incident but failed to act to avert it. They will be dealt with by the employer Teachers Service Commission.

Investigations were continuing and those culpable will face legal action, the CS said.

“The Ministry of Education will also take administrative action against the school management,” he said.

He further confirmed that eight students suspected to have been involved in the deadly arson were in custody.

The investigation agencies would question more individuals who may have played a role.

The seven injured girls admitted to hospital are now out of danger and continue to receive treatment in Nairobi, he added.

He also cautioned those who are politicising the matter, saying such conduct is unbecoming of leaders entrusted with national responsibility.

“I want to condemn in the strongest terms possible those going around trying to gain cheap political mileage from this unfortunate incident,” he said.

He was speaking in Kericho County during Belgut Technical Training Institute’s inaugural graduation ceremony.

He was accompanied by Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, MPs Nelson Koech (Belgut), Beatrice Kemei (Kericho County), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Fredrick Ikana (Shinyalu), Kericho County Commissioner Ali Omar, and MCAs, among other leaders.