Machakos County Woman Representative Joyce Kamene Kasimbi. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos County Woman Representative Joyce Kamene Kasimbi has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls' Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students, insisting that there is more to the tragedy than has so far been revealed.
Speaking during the launch and distribution of water tanks to women's groups in Machakos County, where a total of 212 tanks are set to be distributed across the county's eight constituencies, Kamene said authorities must establish the full truth behind the incident and make the findings public.
"We are still mourning the girls who perished in the fire, but as leaders we must continue speaking about this matter until the truth is known," she said.
The legislator questioned reports suggesting that some students allegedly locked others inside the dormitory before the fire spread, saying such actions pointed to deeper underlying issues that must be uncovered through comprehensive investigations.
"I believe there is more than what meets the eye. We want investigations conducted thoroughly and the findings presented in black and white. What motivated some students to allegedly lock others inside and leave them to burn? There must have been a serious grudge for such a thing to happen," she stated.
Kamene further argued that schools often face complex challenges that rarely come to light, urging investigators not to rush to conclusions before establishing all the facts.
"We know there are many issues that happen in schools and sometimes the truth never comes out. Let us be told exactly what was happening within the school because there could be underlying factors that contributed to this tragedy," she said.
The Woman Representative also called for open discussions on challenges affecting learning institutions, noting that investigators should explore all possible angles before reaching conclusions.
At the same time, Kamene weighed in on the government's reported plans regarding Ebola preparedness measures, expressing opposition to proposals to establish quarantine facilities in Laikipia County.
She said local leaders and residents in Laikipia had already voiced their concerns and urged the government to prioritize public participation before making decisions that affect communities.
"The power belongs to the people. Government authority comes from citizens and it is important for wananchi to be consulted before such decisions are made," she said.
Kamene questioned why greater efforts were not being directed toward strengthening healthcare systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola outbreaks have historically been reported, instead of relocating quarantine facilities to other regions.
"If the international community benefits from the resources found in Congo, then there should be greater investment in strengthening healthcare systems there so that outbreaks can be managed at the source," she argued.
She further proposed that any necessary screening or quarantine measures be established along major transport corridors used by cross-border cargo transporters rather than in areas far removed from entry points.
Her remarks came as hundreds of women groups across Machakos County received water storage tanks under an empowerment initiative aimed at improving access to water and supporting community development projects. A total of 212 tanks are expected to benefit women groups across the county's eight constituencies.
