By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Government of Kenya has ordered a thorough investigation and extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. The government is also mobilizing support for the survivors of the incident.
Taking to his X platform President William Ruto has send his condolences to the people affected by the fire tragedy in Nyeri County.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news,” President Ruto said on X.
“We pray for speedy recovery to the survivors,” the President added.
The Government under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government is mobilising all the necessary resources to support the affected families.
“I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account,” he added.
Deputy President Gachagua also expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of pupils from Hillside Endarasha Academy in a fire incident in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County.
“I have learnt with deep sadness the tragic death of pupils of Hillside Endarasha Academy in a fire incident in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County. We join the families, the school and the rest of the country in mourning these young departed souls,” stated DP Gachagua.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi shared his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic fire incident.
“As investigations proceed, we trust that every effort will be made to uncover the root cause of this heartbreaking incident, ensuring accountability and justice for all involved. In this time of sorrow, may the Lord help the bereaved families find strength and comfort during this difficult period. I wish a quick recovery for those injured and recuperating at the hospital,” said the Dr. Mudavadi.
Opposition Party Leader Raila Odinga also joined other government officials in moutning the families.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, and school fraternity who’ve lost loved ones in the devastating fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy. May God grant them all strength during these difficult moments, and a swift recovery for those injured,” state Mr.Odinga.
National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetangula also shared his condolences on his X platform, stating, “I join the nation in mourning the tragic and unfortunate death of pupils from Hillside Endarasha Academy, Kieni, Nyeri County, who died in an unfortunate fire incident.”
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that 17 pupils have died following a fire outbreak in one of the dormitories at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni West, Nyeri County.
Additionally, 14 other pupils with serious burns have been rushed to the hospital. According to the NPS, the cause of the fire is yet to be established.
Meanwhile senior officers of the Criminal Investigations Department have been deployed to the school to commence investigations into the incident.