Parliament Clarifies Claims That Ruto Ignored Utumishi Girls Issue at National Prayer Breakfast

The Senate and the National Assembly have dismissed claims circulating on social media that President William Ruto failed to address the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy during the National Prayer Breakfast.

The claims emerged online after sections of Kenyans criticised national leaders for allegedly proceeding with the annual event without acknowledging the deadly school fire that occurred earlier on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the two Houses of Parliament termed the claims misleading, insisting that the president acknowledged the incident during his address at the event.

“Claims in the media that national leaders ignored the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls during the National Prayer Breakfast are misleading and do not reflect what transpired at the event,” the statement read in part.

Ruto, Rachel Lead Prayers for Victims of Utumishi Girls Fire Incident

According to Parliament, President Ruto conveyed condolences to the affected families and invited First Lady Rachel Ruto to lead prayers for the victims, injured students, and all those affected by the tragedy.

Parliament also shared a video clip showing the president informing attendees about the fire incident before asking the congregation to stand in prayer.

“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the incident was ignored, as the leadership publicly recognised the tragedy and joined the nation in mourning and prayer,” the statement added.

During the prayer session, Rachel Ruto prayed for the bereaved families, injured students, doctors, counsellors, and the wider school community, while also calling for safety in learning institutions across the country.

“The National Assembly in its entirety mourns with the bereaved families during this tragic period,” Parliament stated.

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

Kenyans Criticise Government Response

The fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy sparked national concern after reports emerged that several students had died while others sustained injuries following the early morning blaze.

Following the National Prayer Breakfast, some Kenyans took to social media to criticise government leaders, accusing them of failing to give sufficient attention to the tragedy during the event.

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

A social media user identified as Nyuka Bel argued that the event should have been cancelled in honour of the students who lost their lives.

“The whole event should have been cancelled just to honour the souls of the departed,” the user wrote.

IT expert George Njoroge also criticised the government, questioning national priorities and describing the incident as a reflection of systemic failure rather than mere incompetence.

“Yesterday 16 girls burned alive in Gilgil. The entire government was at a Prayer Breakfast. Praying. To GOD. The same God whose house they built on the graves of children they failed,” said Njoroge.

Authorities are yet to release a full report on the cause of the incident as investigations continue.

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National Assembly in session. PHOTO/Parliament