Ruto, Gachagua mourn children killed in Nyeri school fire tragedy

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua have mourned 17 pupils who died in a tragic fire incident at the Hillside Endarasha Academy, in Kieni, Nyeri constituency.

"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," said President Ruto in a post on his social media pages.

The Head of State who is currently in China directed relevant authorities to get to the bottom of the fire incident, in a bid to ensure the those responsible are held accountable.

"This is devastating news. We pray for speedy recovery to the survivors. I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account."

"The Government under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government is mobilising all the necessary resources to support the affected families," he added.

On his part, Gachagua said he learnt with deep sadness the tragic death of pupils of Hillside Endarasha Academy.

"We join the families, the school and the rest of the country in mourning these young departed souls. We pray for a quick recovery of the survivors of this inferno."

"May God Grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss. We ask schools to enforce safety and security measures as outlined by the Ministry of Education and other agencies to avert such incidences."

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is also in China said, "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."

He added, "May God grant them all strength during these difficult moments, and a swift recovery for those injured."

There are fears that the death toll could rise as a dozen pupils have been taken to hospital with severe burns.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, police spokesperson Resila Onyango said.

In 2017, 10 students died in an arson attack at Moi Girls High School in the capital Nairobi.

At least 67 students died in Machakos County, in the deadliest Kenyan school arson that took place 20 years ago.