Grief as first victim of Utumishi Girls Fire laid to rest in Kwale, family demands justice

The Zuhura Higa's family at the Mkwakwani village in Ukunda, Kwale County. She becomes the first among 16 students who perished in the incident to be buried, with her family finally receiving her body after days of waiting, allowing for Islamic funeral rites to be observed. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, June 8, 2026

Grief and sorrow engulfed Mkwakwani village in Ukunda, Kwale County, where Zuhra Rama Higa, a Form Three student who died in the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, was laid to rest.

The family of the first victim of the Utumishi fire tragedy has called for justice, saying no amount of compensation can bring back their child, and that they have yet to receive any government assistance despite a government promise of Sh200,000 in compensation, as they laid their loved one to rest.

Grief and sorrow engulfed Mkwakwani village in Ukunda, Kwale County, where Zuhra Rama Higa, a Form Three student who died in the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, was laid to rest.

She becomes the first among 16 students who perished in the incident to be buried, with her family finally receiving her body after days of waiting, allowing for Islamic funeral rites to be observed.

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“Parents never expect that when they take their children to school, they are taking them to their deaths. They expect them to come back with achievements. If they are dying in school and the government knows what is happening, then it means there is no leadership,” he said.

Hasibu further said the amount pledged was insufficient in the face of their loss.

“Sh200,000 is nothing. Even Sh1 million is nothing for a child who has been lost. If they want to assist grieving parents, they should do so without calling it compensation, because it is not enough,” he added.

The family also called for swift investigations and accountability over the fire that claimed the lives of the students, insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice.

“There should be justice for those who committed this act. They are known. Even if they say they are investigating, it is just wasting time. CCTV footage is available,” he said, urging authorities to take firm action.

Msambweni Member of Parliament Feisal Bader, who attended the burial, urged calm and called on parents to take an active role in guiding children, while also pressing for accountability in the ongoing investigations.

Investigations into the fire remain ongoing, with detectives having visited the school to gather more evidence and record statements as part of the probe.