Former Migori County lawmaker and a gubernatorial hopeful Pamela Odhiambo has demanded an urgent national dialogue on the recurring wave of school dormitory infernos, warning that educational institutions are fast becoming death traps for Kenyan children.

Speaking to Kondelenews, Dr Odhiambo expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which occurred on May 28, 2026,the devastating midnight blaze which claimed the lives of 16 students who were burned beyond recognition, while 79 others sustained injuries.

“The issue of dormitories burning in schools should be a national dialogue issue because we want to know whether we will get back our children while still alive or burned equal to charcoal,” Dr Odhiambo stated.

The former legislator urged local communities to rally behind learning institutions to secure students.

She challenged teachers, parents, and school Boards of Management (BOM) to put aside their internal differences, speak with one voice, and cooperate to cultivate a conducive environment for learners.

She further appealed to parents to look beyond the welfare of their biological children and act as keepers for all students, particularly those whose parents live far away from the schools.
“Let it be a collective responsibility, parents should act as keepers for all students”

Local politics

The academician come politician sharply criticized the deteriorating political decorum in Migori County ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She strongly condemned the growing trend of political “goonism” and personal vilification.

Without direct referral, Dr Odhiambo’s remarks heavily targeted Uriri Constituency lawmaker Mark Nyamita, who has recently made headlines for targeting the sitting governor with derogatory labels.

“The issue of calling one another funny names like ‘Oyundi’ (a small, restless bird) is a type of politics which should stop in Migori County,” she asserted.

Dr Odhiambo implored all political aspirants eyeing various seats in the county to ditch bad-mouthing tactics and instead win over the electorate by formulating solid manifestos and developmental agendas.

National tensions

Dr. Odhiambo’s condemnation of local political “goonism” comes at a time when faith leaders and political analysts across the country are raising red flags over rapidly rising political temperatures ahead of the next general election.

In recent joint pastoral statements, the clergy and interfaith groups have strongly condemned premature campaign mobilizations, warning that the early onslaught of political intolerance threatens national cohesion and economic stability.

Church leaders have specifically expressed deep concern over the manipulation of restless young voters by politicians to form “goon squads” aimed at disrupting rival rallies.

Echoing these fears, veteran political strategists and analysts note that with intense economic pressures and high youth unemployment across the nation, resorting to cheap, outsourced political thuggery has replaced policy driven platforms.

Civil society groups and local clergy are collectively urging the political class to tone down aggressive ethnic rhetoric and sign onto a fresh code of conduct before the campaign environment deteriorates any further.