Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed his deepest condolences following the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County, which claimed the lives of 17 pupils. The children were burned beyond recognition, and an additional 14 were injured in the incident.
In his statement, Uhuru described the loss of these young lives, filled with potential and hope for the future, as an indescribable pain. He extended his sympathies to the grieving families and the entire school community.
"The loss of young lives, full of promise and hope, is a pain beyond words. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their children and to the school community profoundly affected by this unimaginable tragedy. May God grant you strength, comfort, and peace as you navigate this sorrow," he said.
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The former President also wished the injured children a speedy recovery, offering prayers for their physical and emotional healing from this traumatic event.
The school, which had a total of 824 pupils, was hit hardest in a dormitory housing 152 boys from Grades 4 to 8, according to Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu, who is leading the response efforts. Tragically, the children who died could not be saved from the fire.
President William Ruto, in a phone conversation with the school’s head earlier today, expressed his sorrow over the heartbreaking incident and pledged support for the affected families. "This is devastating," President Ruto said, praying for the survivors' quick recovery.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government to mobilize resources to assist those impacted, and he instructed authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of the tragedy, vowing that those responsible would be held accountable.
As parents anxiously gathered to check on the safety of their children, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced that emergency supplies, including 50 bags of rice, 50 bags of beans, 100 mattresses, and 100 blankets, were being sent to the site and were expected to arrive by 2 pm.
