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No fewer than 16 students have d!ed after a massive fire tore through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Kenya, in a tragedy that has shocked the country.

The fire is said to have broken out at around 1 am and was reported at approximately 3.30 am on Thursday, according to the Kenya Red Cross.

Dozens of other students injured were rushed to the hospital after the pre-dawn blaze engulfed the packed dormitory housing more than 200 learners.

Emergency teams were deployed after the blaze broke out at the school, with at least 15 students initially feared de@d.

Police later said the number of fatalities is estimated at about 16, while an unknown number of injured students were rushed to various medical facilities with injuries of varying severity and are reported to be in stable condition.

In a statement, Kenya Red Cross said: “Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response.”

They added: “Our first responders, @EMS_Kenya ambulance crew and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities.”

Response operations are ongoing as emergency teams assess the situation and support affected students. Authorities have not yet released further details as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

President William Ruto has mourned the students who lost their lives.

In a statement on Thursday, the President said the country was united in grief with families, teachers, and students affected by the devastating fire.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Ruto said.

“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.”

The President said the government’s immediate focus was on rescuing those affected, ensuring treatment for the injured, and supporting families impacted by the incident.

“Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while investigations continue into the cause of the fire. As a nation, we mourn with the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” he said.

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United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has said President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria targeted by ISIS-linked groups.

Speaking during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, Hegseth said Trump gave the directive about a year ago after learning about attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth said.

According to him, the operation involved behind-the-scenes coordination and deployment of military assets.

“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” he stated.

According to Hegseth, intelligence gathered during the operation contributed to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command, during a joint operation involving U.S. and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

According to report, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated US-Nigeria military operation in northeast Nigeria earlier this month.

Hegseth said the operation also led to the deaths of “hundreds” of ISIS fighters linked to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and threats against the United States.

“And have since, because of the intel we gathered, killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria,” he added.

The U.S. defence chief said the operation reflected the Trump administration’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and protecting vulnerable communities.

“So there are a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the president empowers the department to do on behalf of the American people that he deserves great credit for,” Hegseth said

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The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has reacted to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Mark said Atiku’s victory at the primary reflects that democracy is still functional in Nigeria.

Recall that, Atiku secured the ADC ticket after defeating former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a landslide victory at the party’s presidential primary.

Speaking during the official collation and announcement of results in Abuja, Mark said: “Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate.

“Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians.

“It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organize itself around principles instead of personalities. And that in a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.

“That is why this gathering matters. And that is why history will remember what we have done here Today.

“Let me begin by thanking every member of the African Democratic Congress for your steadfastness, your patience, your sacrifices, your understanding, and your faith in this party, especially in the face of daunting challenges.

“Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse.”

Mark also praised Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest.

He further noted that the ADC remains the only political party with three strong aspirants competing for its presidential ticket.

“It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have 3 strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket.

“This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices,” he stated.