DIG Lagat leads Utumishi Girls’ fundraiser to rebuild dorms after tragic fire

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat has spearheaded a fundraiser at the Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, aimed at rebuilding the dormitories destroyed by a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 16 students. The fire erupted in the early hours of May 28, 2026, while students were asleep, causing extensive damage to the institution. Lagat arrived at the school on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to spearhead the fundraising efforts amidst ongoing recovery efforts following the tragedy.

The Kenya Red Cross reported that 132 students were affected by the fire, with several of them evacuated and taken to hospitals for treatment. Moreover, the organization pledged to provide psychosocial support and aid in tracing affected students and their families. The fire started on the first floor of one of the dormitories, which was completely gutted by the blaze. Despite the efforts of the response teams, the fire was extinguished at around 3 am, but the damage had already been done.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called on Kenyans to stand with the bereaved families, assuring them that the government and relevant authorities were working tirelessly to investigate the cause of the tragedy. The fundraising campaign, led by Lagat, is poised to provide crucial support in rebuilding the damaged dormitories and help the school resume normal operations as the Utumishi Girls community strives to heal from the devastating incident.