Family Updates Health of Man Whose Wife Died Rushing to Utumishi Girls Fire

The family of Faith Koskei has spoken publicly about the aftermath of her death in a road accident. Koskei, from Kapkures in Nakuru County, lost her life while rushing to Utumishi Girls Academy following a fire in the school dormitory.

The incident happened on 8 May when the family vehicle crashed in Gilgil. Koskei died on the spot. Her husband, their niece and her sister were also in the car.

The widower suffered fractures to his shoulder and hip. He underwent surgery on his shoulder yesterday and requires another operation on his hip joint. He remains in hospital.

Family spokesperson Robinson Kibet expressed concern about how the man would cope upon returning home without his wife. Henry Koskei, the deceased's father-in-law, described her as a strong woman and his trusted counsellor.

"She was a strong and good woman, my counsellor. I could not do anything without discussing and planning it with Faith," Henry Koskei said.

The family appealed to the government for financial assistance to cover mounting hospital bills and burial expenses. They linked Faith's death directly to the trauma of the school fire.

Cherop Kattah, Faith's sister, called for a thorough investigation into the dormitory blaze. She urged measures across all schools to prevent similar tragedies.

"No parent should have to go through what we are going through," Cherop said.

The couple's daughter, a Form Four student at Utumishi Girls, spoke for the first time. Her dormitory was not destroyed in the fire, but she sustained minor injuries in the ensuing stampede.

She explained her decision to forgive those responsible for the fire. Her mother had always advised her against holding grudges.

"I wanted to hate them, and honestly, I was angry with them. But Mum had always told me never to hate anyone because even if I did, it would not change what had already happened," the daughter said.

She had waited anxiously for her parents that day, unaware of the accident until later.

The Utumishi Girls fire claimed 16 student lives and injured many others. It occurred in late May and prompted widespread concern about school safety in Kenya.

Faith Koskei and her family were among parents responding to the news. The niece in the car was a student at the same school and had been sent home earlier to collect fees.

This latest family statement adds to the personal stories emerging from the tragedy. Kenyan schools have seen several dormitory fire incidents over the years, often raising questions about construction standards, overcrowding and emergency preparedness.

The Koskei family now faces the dual burden of grief and medical costs. Henry Koskei highlighted the added pain of his son recovering alone in hospital.

Broader calls continue for accountability in the Utumishi case. Authorities have been investigating the cause, with some students reportedly facing questioning.

For the Koskei family, the focus stays on recovery and farewell. Faith's husband needs successful surgery before any discharge.

The daughter's public words showed remarkable composure amid loss. Her mother's guidance shaped her response even after death.

This case underscores how one school incident can ripple through families in unexpected and devastating ways. Road safety along routes like Nakuru-Gilgil also comes into sharper focus during such crises.