Linda Mwananchi MP Aspirants’ Caucus Demands Accountability Over Utumishi Girls Academy Fire Tragedy and School Safety Standards

By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• A section of Linda Mwananchi MP aspirants in Nairobi has called on the government to urgently strengthen school safety standards following the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy, questioning the adequacy of the official response.
• The group demanded accountability measures within the education sector, including action against responsible oversight officers and the release of nationwide boarding school safety audit reports within a set timeframe.
• They also raised broader concerns over learner safety, rising cases of violence against women, and the increasing cost of living burden on Kenyan households.

Nairobi, Kenya | May 29, 2026 — A section of Members of the Linda Mwananchi Member of Parliament Aspirants’ Caucus has called for urgent government accountability and sweeping reforms in school safety standards following the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy.

Makadara Constituency aspirant Faith Norah Lukosi is flagged by fellow Linda Mwananchi caucus officials while addressing the media. Photo: Amakove (Facebook).

Speaking on Friday morning in Nairobi, led by Makadara Constituency 2027 aspirant Faith Norah Lukosi, the leaders criticised the government’s response to the incident, arguing that it fell short of what was required in addressing learners’ safety concerns and supporting affected families.

“Our President, William Samoei Ruto, has been silent on this issue. He is a father and the Head of State. We expected him to act swiftly, address the matter, and direct both the school management and the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, to account for what happened,” Lukosi said.

She questioned the pace and seriousness of the official response, saying more decisive action was expected from both the Head of State and the Ministry of Education in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Lukosi further emphasized that child safety is constitutionally guaranteed, citing Article 53 of the Constitution, which provides for the protection of children from neglect, abuse, and all forms of violence, and requires that their best interests be given paramount consideration in all decisions affecting them.

The caucus expressed concern over safety compliance in boarding schools, alleging gaps in inspection, certification, and enforcement that may have exposed learners to unsafe conditions. They called for the suspension and prosecution of Quality Assurance and Standards officers implicated in certifying institutions found to have breached safety requirements.

“We demand the immediate arrest, suspension, and criminal prosecution of the Quality Assurance and Standards officers who signed off on the safety compliance certification for the school,” Lukosi said.

They further demanded that the Cabinet Secretary for Education release nationwide boarding school safety audit reports within 72 hours, warning that failure to comply should trigger calls for resignation.

“We demand that the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mr. Julius Ogamba, release safety compliance reports for all boarding schools in the country within 72 hours. Failure to do so should lead to his resignation. As parents, we have a right to be confident that our children are safe in school and not living in death traps,” she stated.

The leaders also cautioned against the full implementation of the 100 percent transition policy without adequate infrastructure, warning that overcrowding in schools continues to compromise learner safety.

They further called for urgent reforms in school safety systems, stronger oversight, and stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies.

Beyond the Utumishi Girls Academy fire incident, the caucus expressed concern over rising femicide cases, describing the trend as alarming and calling for coordinated intervention to protect women and children. They warned that continued violence and inadequate response risk normalizing insecurity in society.

At the same time, they highlighted worsening economic pressures, citing rising fuel and commodity prices that they said are straining households. They cautioned that proposed measures under the Finance Bill 2026 should not worsen the cost of living for citizens already facing financial hardship.

Other leaders present included Omochokoro Michira Nyangweso, Kenneth Othat, Kennedy Odhiambo, Jacob Ongoro, Karim Omogi, and Amakove Wala.