The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has intensified pressure on the government following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy that left 16 students dead. The party is now demanding accountability from senior government officials while raising fresh concerns over the safety of learners in boarding schools across Kenya.
Highlights
- DCP questioned the preparedness of schools to handle fire emergencies.
- The party called for the censure of Education CS Julius Ogamba.
- DCP also demanded the resignation of Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
- Joe Methu accused the government of negligence and poor disaster response.
- Concerns were raised over repeated school tragedies without reforms.
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DCP Raises Alarm Over School Safety
The Democracy for the Citizens Party has voiced concern over what it describes as increasing safety failures in Kenyan boarding schools following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy.
Speaking on Thursday, May 28, 2026, DCP Acting Secretary General and Nyandarua Senator Joe Methu questioned whether learning institutions across the country are adequately prepared to handle emergencies such as fires.
According to Methu, the rising number of fire incidents in schools points to deeper problems within the education system, including weak emergency response plans, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient safety training in some institutions.
Calls for Accountability
The party has now called for immediate action against senior government officials, accusing them of failing to protect students in boarding schools.
DCP demanded the censure of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to step down over what it termed as failures in disaster preparedness and response.
Methu argued that Kenya has witnessed several deadly incidents in schools over the years, yet little has changed in terms of reforms and safety improvements.
Renewed Debate on Boarding School Conditions
The tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy has once again sparked national debate about the conditions in boarding schools and whether enough is being done to protect students.
The party insisted that learner safety should be treated as a national priority, calling for urgent inspections, better emergency systems, and regular safety drills in schools across the country.
As the country mourns the young lives lost, many Kenyans are now asking the same question how many more tragedies must happen before lasting reforms are finally implemented?
