Mike Sonko made a personal visit to the family of Getrude Muthoni, popularly known as Sonie, one of the students who lost her life in the Utumishi Girls Academy fire, joining them in mourning at their home in Lakeview Estate, Naivasha.
The former Nairobi Governor made the visit after attending court proceedings linked to the tragedy, driving straight to the family’s home to offer his condolences in person rather than through a social media post.
Sharing the visit on his Facebook page, Sonko revealed that a video he had tried to post the previous day had failed to upload, something he attributed to his bundles running out after a long day.
“Nikama nimeanza kusota na sijui, this video I posted jana after court ikahang I think bundles ziliisha,” he wrote, in a message that blended grief with the kind of candid, unfiltered honesty his followers have come to associate with him.
Getrude Muthoni, known to those who loved her as Sonie, was among the 16 students who died when fire swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on the morning of Thursday, May 28. The blaze, which was deliberately started by fellow students, also left 79 others injured and shook the country to its core.
Sonko described the visit as a moment of solidarity with a family that is not only grieving but also waiting. Like many other families of the victims, Getrude’s relatives are still awaiting official guidance from the government on when the bodies will be released for burial.
The identification process has been slow and deeply painful, with several bodies burnt beyond recognition and families relying on DNA results to confirm what they already know in their hearts.
During the visit, Sonko conveyed his condolences and expressed his support for the family as they navigate one of the most difficult periods any family can face.
He also used the moment to send a message of prayer for all those affected by the tragedy.
“May the soul of Getrude rest in eternal peace. May the souls of all those who lost their lives in this tragedy rest in peace, and may all those who were injured recover quickly and fully,” he wrote.
He extended his thoughts to every family still waiting for answers, still sitting in homes that feel emptier than they did a week ago, still holding on to photographs of daughters who will not be coming back.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the bereaved families and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss,” he added.
Getrude’s face appeared among a series of images Sonko shared from the visit, alongside those of other students who died in the fire, among them Nicole Muiruri, Sallystine Wambui Melly, Cecilia Wanjiku, Precious Wanjeri and Fortune Aimaya.