Cecilia Wanjiku Died When She Returned to Burning Dormitory to Save Other Students
2 min read
Pain and sorrow have covered the family, friends, and students of Cecilia Wanjiku, a Form Four student at Utumishi Girls Academy who died during the tragic school fire in Nakuru County.
Cecilia was known as a bright and hardworking student with a promising future. Before joining Utumishi Girls Academy, she scored 399 marks in her KCPE exams at Gilgil Highway Primary School. She first joined Karima Girls before later transferring to Utumishi Girls.
Teachers and fellow students described her as one of the best science students in the school. Her lowest mean grade was a B+, showing her strong performance in academics.
The young student had also been selected to represent her school in a biology contest that was set to take place at Amref University next week on June 6.
According to students who survived the fire, Cecilia lost her life while trying to help and save other learners trapped inside the burning dormitory. Many people have since described her as courageous and selfless.
Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari mourned Cecilia through an emotional message, saying the student was among the beneficiaries of the NGCDF scholarship from Kambi Somali area.
The MP praised Cecilia for her discipline, intelligence, and determination in school. She also recognised Cecilia’s biology teacher, Mr Joseph Karanja, for guiding and supporting the student throughout her education journey.
“She had a bright future ahead of her and was preparing to represent her school in a biology contest,” the MP said in her tribute.
The tragic fire happened at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County during the night, leaving 16 students dead and many others injured.
Reports indicate that the fire started between 12:45 am and 1:00 am at the Meline Waithera dormitory which was housing more than 200 students.
Several students suffered injuries while escaping through windows and balconies as panic spread across the dormitory. Some of the critically injured students were later transferred to hospitals in Nairobi for specialised treatment.
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are still looking into the cause of the deadly fire. Reports claim that some students are being questioned as detectives continue with investigations.
The heartbreaking death of Cecilia Wanjiku has touched many Kenyans online, with many describing her as a heroine who sacrificed her life while trying to save others.
May her soul rest in peace.
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