Patience and Resilience Key to Overcoming School Challenges, Cleric Tells Students at Emotional Requiem for Utumishi Girls Victims

An atmosphere of profound grief and reflection engulfed Gilgil Stadium on Friday as thousands of mourners gathered for a requiem mass in honour of the 16 Utumishi Girls Academy students who lost their lives in a devastating dormitory fire that shocked the nation.

Amid tears, prayers and heartfelt tributes, Reverend Kivuva delivered a powerful message urging students across the country to embrace patience, resilience and hope when confronted with challenges in school rather than resorting to dangerous actions born out of frustration.

The emotional service came barely two weeks after the tragic May 28 inferno that tore through one of the school’s dormitories shortly after midnight, claiming 16 young lives and leaving dozens of others nursing injuries. Investigators suspect that the fire may have been deliberately started by a group of students, although inquiries into the incident are still ongoing.

Addressing the large congregation, Reverend Kivuva reminded students that hardships are an unavoidable part of life and should be viewed as temporary obstacles rather than reasons for despair.

Drawing from his own humble upbringing, the cleric recounted how he attended school without shoes but remained determined to pursue his dreams despite the difficulties he faced.

He said perseverance eventually opened doors that enabled him to continue his studies abroad and build a successful future.

“You may not get what you want in school from your parents, be patient. You know your goal is to finish up and go to the next level. We have children today who forget that,” he told the mourners.

His remarks resonated deeply with parents, teachers and students who have been grappling with the painful aftermath of one of the country’s deadliest school tragedies in recent years.

The fire not only claimed 16 lives but also left 79 students injured. The government confirmed earlier this week that all injured students have since been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment.

Seeking to inspire hope among survivors, Reverend Kivuva shared the story of a teacher at Utumishi Girls Academy who survived the infamous 2001 Kyanguli Secondary School fire tragedy and later rebuilt his life.

“You can be a survivor and live to tell the story of how God has delivered you,” he said.

The cleric also offered words of comfort to grieving families struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of their children. Drawing from biblical teachings, he acknowledged that moments of sorrow, unanswered questions and deep anguish are part of the human experience.

Referring to the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross, he said many parents were experiencing similar feelings of abandonment and confusion.

“Even Jesus had a moment of how long on the cross. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me. And even parents here are feeling the same; my God, my God, why have you let this happen to my child? May God come to your deliverance today,” he said.

The priest emphasized that Christ’s own suffering allows Him to understand and comfort those enduring pain and loss.

Beyond mourning, Reverend Kivuva challenged parents to strengthen communication with their children during school holidays. He noted that many young people struggle silently with emotional and social pressures that parents may fail to recognize.

He encouraged families to create opportunities for honest conversations, allowing children to express their frustrations, needs and concerns.

“Sometimes it’s good to have a ‘how long’ moment with your students when they close schools. Let them tell you what they feel like they are missing and how they feel like saying ‘how long my mum, my dad, shall you treat me like this’,” he said.

Highlighting the widening generational gap between parents and children, the cleric narrated a personal experience involving his own child, who rejected a newly purchased outfit because it did not align with modern fashion trends.

The story drew smiles from some mourners, offering a brief moment of relief amid the sombre gathering.

“So we had to negotiate and I had to look for one that was not so badly shredded so that we come to a compromise. And sometimes parents, we have to come to those moments of listening to our children,” he said.

As the requiem mass concluded, grieving families prepared to transport the remains of their daughters for burial in different parts of the country.

The tragedy has left an indelible scar on the nation, with some victims’ bodies having been burnt beyond recognition and requiring DNA testing for identification.

While the painful journey of healing is only beginning, Friday’s emotional service underscored a powerful message of hope, resilience and unity as families, students and the wider community continue to seek strength in the face of unimaginable loss.