Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has called on residents who may be sheltering students from Hillside Endarasha Academy to return them. Kindiki confirmed that some of the missing students are staying with community members after fleeing the school when a fire broke out.
Speaking after meeting with security officials overseeing the situation, Kindiki explained that many students ran to nearby homes during the incident and have not yet returned to the school. He expressed concern that the children may be traumatized by the experience and emphasized that returning them would aid in contact tracing efforts.
He also urged parents who have been reunited with their children to report to the command center to help synchronize the data.
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"I can confirm that several pupils took refuge in neighboring homes and are in need of help and counseling. We appeal to anyone who may be hosting a student to bring them forward for accountability," Kindiki said.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi are currently on the scene, gathering information. Kindiki noted that while they cannot yet provide definitive answers, a structured communication process has been established to ensure transparency and accuracy.
He also called for patience from parents and the public, assuring them that the government is doing everything possible to recover all affected students.
"We want to assure the public that anyone whose actions or negligence contributed to this tragedy will be held accountable," he added.
Kindiki pledged the government’s support for the school through the Ministry of Education, ensuring that all necessary measures will be taken. He also noted that the school's administration is cooperating with security agencies as investigations continue.
His ministry will continue coordinating efforts at the school with the relevant agencies involved in the ongoing operations.
