- Family, friends and hundreds of mourners gathered in Nandi County to bid farewell to Utumishi Girls Academy student Sallystine Wambui Melly.
- Sallystine was among the 16 learners who lost their lives in the tragic dormitory fire at the school.
- Mourners called for stronger safety measures in schools to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
By Adrian Biwott
Family members, friends, leaders and hundreds of mourners gathered at Kaptilol Village in Aldai Constituency, Nandi County, on Saturday June 13, 2026 to bid farewell to Sallystine Wambui Melly, a student of Utumishi Girls Academy who lost her life in the tragic dormitory fire that claimed 16 learners.
The emotional funeral service brought together residents from across the region as they joined the bereaved family in mourning a young life cut short.
Remembered for Discipline and Hard Work
Sallystine was remembered as a disciplined, hardworking and ambitious student whose dreams and aspirations were tragically ended by the devastating fire that shocked the nation.
Speakers at the ceremony described her death as a great loss not only to her family but also to the wider community and the country.
They called for continued support for the affected families as they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy.
Calls for Enhanced School Safety
The Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire, which occurred on May 28, claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured.
The incident sparked national concern and renewed debate about safety standards in learning institutions.
Investigations into the fire are ongoing, with authorities treating the incident as a suspected case of arson.
Mourners expressed their grief and solidarity with all families affected by the tragedy, saying the pain of losing young learners under such circumstances will be felt for years to come.
They urged the government and education stakeholders to strengthen safety measures in schools to prevent similar disasters in the future.
As Sallystine was laid to rest at her family home in Kaptilol Village, prayers and tributes filled the air, with many remembering her as a bright student whose life ended far too soon.
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Her burial marks another painful chapter in the national mourning process as families continue to bury and honour the 16 victims of the Utumishi Girls Academy fire.
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