A section of Meline Waithera dormitory that was set on fire at Utumishi Girls' school/COURTESY
Utumishi Girls Academy founder Edward Mbugua has explained the emotional story behind the naming of the Meline Waithera dormitory at the academy, which was destroyed by fire.
Speaking Friday during the funeral service for the 16 victims at Gilgil Stadium, Mbugua revealed that the dormitory was named in memory of his daughter, Meline, who died in a road accident in Nairobi in June 2021.
His remarks came amid growing public curiosity over the origins of the dormitory's name following the tragedy.
“There were questions on how the dormitory, which was set on fire, was named after my daughter. Yes, it is true, it is named after her,” Mbugua told mourners.
He recounted the painful circumstances that led to the construction of the facility, saying his daughter died instantly following a road accident in Nairobi.
“What happened is that in June 2021, my daughter was involved in a road accident in Nairobi, and she died at the scene,” he said.
According to Mbugua, friends, colleagues and well-wishers contributed generously towards funeral arrangements.
However, after settling all burial expenses, some money remained unspent.
Rather than retain the funds, he and his family resolved to channel the money towards a project that would positively impact the lives of young people.
“My friends and other people contributed to her funeral. After the funeral, I had excess money, and I told my family this money is going to another cause; we are not going to use the money,” he said.
The former Kenya Police boss said he later donated Sh10 million towards the construction of the facility at Utumishi Girls Academy, with part of the contribution coming from the remaining funeral funds and part from his personal contribution.
“During the harambee, I donated Sh10 million, part of which was my contribution and part of it was money that remained after my daughter's funeral,” he said.
“I think I have made that clear. So, those who have been asking what happened, that is exactly what happened.”
The revelation added a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy that has shaken the nation and plunged dozens of families into mourning.
The Meline block was among the facilities at the school and bore the name of Mbugua in his honor.
Mbugua is credited for founding the institution.
Mbugua said the intention was to transform a painful loss into a lasting legacy that would benefit generations of learners.
The fire, which broke out, claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured, making it one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years.
Hundreds of mourners, including government officials led by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, religious leaders, parents and students, gathered at Gilgil Stadium for a joint memorial and funeral service to honour the victims.
For Mbugua, the tragedy has reopened wounds from the loss of his daughter nearly five years ago, turning what was meant to be a symbol of remembrance and hope into the scene of another heartbreaking loss.
He joined the bereaved families in mourning the students, expressing sympathy to parents whose children perished in the blaze and urging Kenyans to keep the affected families in their prayers as they seek healing from the devastating tragedy.
