Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has intensified calls for accountability following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, insisting that investigations should not only focus on the suspected arsonists but also on possible negligence by the school’s management.
His remarks come after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that preliminary investigations indicate the fire was an act of arson and that detectives are currently questioning eight learners considered persons of interest in the case.
While supporting the ongoing investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Sonko argued that the school administration must also answer critical questions regarding the safety of the dormitory where the tragedy occurred.
“Education CS Julius Ogamba says the tragic Utumishi Girls High School fire was an act of arson, with the DCI currently questioning eight learners believed to be persons of interest. But still, the school management must also answer serious questions,” Sonko said.
He questioned whether emergency safety measures were functional at the time of the fire, noting that effective evacuation systems could have saved lives regardless of how the blaze started.
“If dormitory doors could be opened from inside and proper emergency exits were in place, many children could have escaped or been rescued. Whether the fire was intentional or not, safety measures must always work. The issue of criminal negligence must also be investigated thoroughly,” he added.
Sonko further praised Education CS Ogamba and DCI Director Mohamed Amin for pursuing the arson investigation but urged them to widen the scope of the probe to include those responsible for student safety within the institution.
“Keep it up Waziri and Mr. Amin. Sasa shikeni wale walifungia our girls as if they were in Lang’ata Women Prison kumbe wako shule. This nonsense must stop,” he said.
The former governor maintained that repeated school fire tragedies across the country point to a broader failure to enforce existing safety regulations. He reiterated that if investigations establish that dormitory doors were locked, emergency exits were inadequate, or other safety requirements were ignored, those responsible should face criminal charges.
Ministry of Education regulations require dormitories to have clearly marked emergency exits that open outward, accessible escape routes, functioning fire-fighting equipment, regular fire drills, and doors that can be opened from the inside at all times when students are occupying the premises.
Sonko urged investigators to establish whether these standards were complied with at Utumishi Girls Academy and to hold accountable any individuals whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the loss of life.
His remarks add to growing public pressure for a comprehensive investigation that examines both the alleged arson and any possible lapses in safety compliance that may have worsened the impact of the tragedy.
