Kenya mourns schoolgirls killed in suspected dorm arson attack

GILGIL, Kenya:  Kenyan families were overwhelmed with grief at a mass for 16 girls killed in a suspected arson attack on their school — part of a string of pupil protests that have unnerved the country.

Kenya has seen 47 fires at schools this year as pupils protest issues including exam stress, corruption and conditions at the boarding schools that are very common in the east African country.

“Why, why God have you gone?” a girl cried over the coffin of one of the children killed at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County on May 28.

Children were trapped in the burning dormitory after a fire began in the middle of the night.

Sixteen children aged 15 to 18 died, and 132 were injured, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

Nine pupils of the academy, which was primarily for the children of police officers, remain in custody as an investigation continues.

– Grief and anger –

At the mass earlier this month at Nakuru’s Gilgil Stadium, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Nairobi, religious leaders tried to steer the conversation away from the issues behind the protests.

“We have come for prayers, not politics,” said one priest, standing in front of the small white coffins adorned with orange, white and pink flowers.

Mothers and relatives wailed as the bodies of the schoolgirls arrived in a procession. At least three parents fainted, and one father had to be restrained.

“I have never expected something like this. A school is supposed to be the safest place for children,” said Liz Munyaga, 46, whose 17-year-old niece, Gertrude, died in the fire.

“Why turn (on) a fellow school mate? That is the question we are all asking,” she added.

Education Secretary Julius Ogamba said parents had to “rethink” how they raise their children, telling mourners: “It falls upon us to reflect on what values and virtues we are inculcating in our children.”

But opposition senator Edwin Sifuna, also attending, criticised the government.

“If we had some safety measures in place I think the casualties would be fewer,” he told AFP.

-AFP