First Lady Rachel Ruto pays her last respects to one of the 16 Utumishi Girls Academy students who died in a dormitory fire during a requiem mass at Gilgil Stadium, Nakuru county, on June 12, 2026. /PCS
First Lady Rachel Ruto on Friday led hundreds of mourners in observing a minute of silence in honour of the 16 Utumishi Girls Academy students who died in a dormitory fire last month.
The solemn tribute took place during a requiem mass at Gilgil Stadium attended by bereaved families, students, teachers, religious leaders and government officials.
Standing before the white caskets adorned with flowers and photographs of the victims, Rachel called on mourners to rise and honour the girls whose lives were cut short in the May 28 tragedy.
"Today we remember not a statistic, but 16 unique and precious daughters of Kenya," she said.
"Let us all rise and take a minute to honour them."
The stadium fell silent as mourners stood in reflection, remembering the students who died after a fire gutted a dormitory at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru county.
Addressing grieving families, the First Lady said the nation stood with them during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
"As a mother, I know that a child is never simply part of your life. A child becomes part of your heart," she said.
"You carry them in your thoughts when you wake up and in your prayers before you sleep. Their victories become your joy, their struggles become your concern, their future becomes your deepest hope."
Rachel conveyed condolences from President William Ruto, saying he joined the country in mourning the loss of the students.
"While words cannot fully ease your pain, please know that you do not carry it alone today. We carry that burden with you," she said.
"I bring you heartfelt condolences from His Excellency, President William Samoei Ruto. He joins the nation in mourning this profound loss."
She told the families that the country was grieving alongside them.
"Kenya mourns with you, weeps with you, and Kenya stands with you," she said.
The First Lady said the students had left home to learn, grow and pursue their dreams, adding that their memories would continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
"Our daughters left home to learn, to grow and to prepare for bright futures," she said.
"They embraced life with enthusiasm, built friendships and created memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew them."
Drawing from scripture, Rachel cited Philippians 4:7 and prayed for comfort for the affected families.
