Fire Breaks Out at Gacharage Secondary School Hours After Utumishi Academy Incident

A fire broke out at Gacharage Secondary School in Kandara Ruchu, Murang’a County, on the night of Wednesday, May 28, 2026, hours after another fire incident was reported at Utumishi Girls Academy.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed the incident, saying county emergency teams had already been dispatched to contain the blaze.

“Good evening, residents of Kandara Ruchu, we are aware of the fire incident currently affecting Gacharage Secondary School,” Kang’ata said in a statement.

Emergency Teams Respond to Gacharage Secondary School Fire Incident

According to the county government, Murang’a Fire and Rescue teams are currently battling the fire alongside community responders as efforts to contain the situation continue.

The county further said all learners had been accounted for after evacuation protocols were activated at the school.

“The safety of students, staff, and nearby residents is our immediate priority,” the statement added.

Also Read: Govt Swings Into Action After Utumishi Girls Fire Kills 16 Students

Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, with officials saying investigations will begin once the situation is fully brought under control.

Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania later said the situation had been contained, urging members of the public to keep off the area to allow emergency teams to continue with operations.

He also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information, saying updates would be issued through official Murang’a County Government communication channels.

Utumishi Girls Academy Tragedy

The incident comes just hours after another school fire incident was reported at Utumishi Girls Academy.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who gave an update on the tragic incident, said the fire broke out at around 12:45 am in a dormitory on the second floor. He said the fire completely destroyed the dormitory.

According to the CS, the school has a total population of 815 girls, but 808 students were in school at the time of the incident, while seven were at home for various reasons.

Also Read: CS Ogamba Orders Indefinite Closure of Utumishi Girls After Deadly Fire Kills 16 Students

He revealed that 79 students were injured and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

“Out of the 79 injured learners, 71 have already been treated and discharged. Seven are still admitted in the hospital while one learner was picked up by a parent,” Ogamba said.

The CS further confirmed that 16 students died in the tragedy.

Ruto Mourns Victims

He noted that the process of identifying the victims was ongoing, together with investigations into the cause of the fire.

“It is an unfortunate incident,” Ogamba said.

President William Ruto, who led the nation in mourning, expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and sent condolences to the affected families, teachers, and students.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Ruto said.

He said investigations were ongoing to find out what caused the fire.

The president said the whole country was standing with parents, teachers, guardians, and students during the difficult time.

The Head of State also prayed for strength and comfort for the grieving families.

“May God give comfort and strength to the families during this painful time. Poleni sana,” he said.

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Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata. PHOTO/Kang’ata