Parents reject delayed release of bodies ahead of requiem service

The halls of Naivasha Funeral Home echoed with cries of unimaginable grief on Saturday morning as families of the 16 students who lost their lives in the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy finally came face to face with the remains of their beloved daughters. Ten agonizing days had passed since the tragic night that changed dozens of families forever. For days, parents had clung to hope that the identification process would provide them with answers and allow them to take their children home for a final farewell. Instead, many left the mortuary carrying an even heavier burden of pain. From the early hours of the morning, relatives streamed into the funeral home, their faces marked by exhaustion, sorrow and uncertainty. The families had been informed that DNA testing had successfully identified all the victims. Many believed this would finally bring an end to the painful wait that had kept them trapped between grief and uncertainty. However, fresh heartbreak awaited them. Authorities informed the families of 15 of the students that although they would be allowed to view the remains, they would not be permitted to take them home for burial. The announcement triggered frustration, disbelief and anguish among the grieving relatives, many of whom had spent the last ten days desperately seeking closure. Before entering the viewing area, family members underwent counseling sessions conducted by the Kenya Red Cross. The sessions were intended to prepare them for the traumatic experience ahead. Yet no amount of counseling could soften the emotional blow that awaited them behind the mortuary doors. One after another, relatives were called to view what remained of their daughters, sisters and loved ones. As each family entered, silence filled the waiting area. Moments later, that silence was shattered by heartbreaking screams, uncontrollable sobs and cries of despair. Parents collapsed upon seeing the charred remains of children they had nurtured, loved and dreamed about. Overcome by shock and had to be physically supported by relatives and counselors as they emerged from the building. Others fainted, unable to process the horror before them. The scene repeated itself throughout the morning. The emotional pain was not confined to the families alone. Red Cross counselors, local administrators, medical personnel and journalists covering the tragedy struggled to contain their own emotions as they watched parents endure one of life's cruelest ordeals. Only one family that of 17-year-old Zuhura Rama, was allowed to receive and take home her remains. Even then, the family received what was left of their daughter with profound sorrow, knowing the fire had burned her body beyond recognition. The teenager was scheduled to be buried in Kwale. Grief engulfs relatives of 17-year-old Zuhura Rama is moved from Naivasha Funeral Home to a waiting hearse for transportation to Kwale County ahead of her burial. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Overwhelmed by grief, the family declined to speak to the media. Speaking on their behalf, Sheikh Adam Ali said burial arrangements had already been delayed beyond what Islamic tradition allows. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter