A wave of grief and admiration has swept across the country following the tragic death of Cecilia Wanjiku, a promising student at Utumishi Girls Academy, who reportedly lost her life while trying to rescue fellow students during a deadly dormitory fire.
Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari Wanjira led tributes to the Form Four student, describing her as an exceptionally bright science learner and an NGCDF scholarship beneficiary. Cecilia had previously achieved 399 marks in her KCPE at Gilgil Highway Primary School before progressing through Karima Girls and later transferring to Utumishi Girls Academy.
According to the MP, Cecilia was among the school’s top-performing students in Sciences, consistently maintaining strong academic results with a minimum grade of B+. She was also set to represent her school in a biology competition scheduled for 6 June at Amref University, a milestone that highlighted her promising academic future.
Tragically, reports indicate that Cecilia died while attempting to help other students escape from the burning dormitory. Her courage has since been widely praised by fellow students, teachers, and leaders, who have described her final moments as an act of selflessness and bravery.
The inferno, which broke out between 12:45 am and 1:00 am, claimed 16 students’ lives and left 79 others injured. Survivors reported that locked dormitory doors forced some learners to jump from upper floors in a desperate bid to escape the flames.
Meanwhile, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are investigating suspected arson, with several students questioned as part of ongoing inquiries into the cause of the blaze.
Cecilia Wanjiku’s death has left a deep void, with leaders and citizens alike mourning a young life marked by brilliance, promise, and extraordinary courage.