Utumishi Girls candidates honour classmates killed in school fire ahead of KCSE

Utumishi Girls Academy on Thursday held a special prayer service for its Form Four candidates as they prepare to sit this year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, two months after a devastating fire claimed the lives of 16 students.

The ceremony, led by the school's patron and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, was marked by emotional tributes to the seven Form Four candidates who perished in the tragedy before realising their dream of sitting the national examinations.

The memories of the seven students, who began their secondary school journey alongside their surviving classmates, remain deeply etched in the minds of the candidates.

During the service, the students took to the stage to perform tribute songs in honour of their fallen friends, with grief and resilience evident throughout the ceremony.

Despite the tragedy that continues to weigh heavily on the school community, students and teachers said they remain determined to press on with their academic journey.

Utumishi Girls Academy Captain Abigail Wanjiku said the memories of their departed classmates continue to inspire the candidates as they prepare for the examinations.

The school's principal, Rufina Nkonge, and teacher Joseph Ogacha also encouraged the candidates to remain focused despite the painful loss.

Speaking during the service, DIG Lagat acknowledged that the fire tragedy had dealt the school a major setback but urged both learners and teachers not to lose hope as they rebuild the institution.

The prayer service was also attended by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari and other leaders, who joined the school community in remembering the 16 students who lost their lives in the fire.

The Form Four candidates will sit this year's KCSE examinations without seven of their classmates, but say they are drawing strength from their memories as they strive to fulfil the dream they once shared together.