President William Ruto and Raila Odinga have led the country in mourning students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County.
In a statement, Ruto, while sending his condolence message, directed the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government to mobilise necessary resources and support the affected families after the tragedy that occured on Friday, September 6, 2024.
“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,” he wrote.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of 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. Poleni sana.”
Additionally, the former Prime Minister also sent his heartfelt condolence message to the families of the victims of the fire tragedy.
“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,” he wrote.
Other prominent people who have sent condolence messages to the families of the victims include;
Musalia Mudavadi
“I join the nation in expressing my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County, which claimed the precious lives of young pupils. 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,” he said.
“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.”
National Assembly Moses Wetangula
“I join the nation in mourning the tragic and unfortunate deaths of pupils from Hillside Endarasha Academy, Kieni, Nyeri County, who died in an unfortunate fire incident. Our prayers are with the families, the institution, and the rest of the nation. As we seek God’s guidance in managing the loss, we ask the authorities to step in and investigate the cause of this tragic incident. May the young departed souls rest in peace,” he wrote.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Endarasha Academy fire victims in Nyeri. We condole with the families that have lost their dear ones and wish a quick recovery to the injured as we call for thorough investigations into the cause of this terrible fire tragedy,” he mourned.
PS Ministry of Health Mary Muthoni
“I want to take this opportunity to condole with the families of the 17 pupils who have been confirmed dead at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri, following a fire tragedy last night. The Ministry of Health is working closely with relevant Ministries and State Agencies and the County Government of Nyeri to respond to the incident,” she said.
Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating news this morning of a fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, which has claimed the lives of at least 16 pupils. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families, friends, and the entire school community affected by this terrible loss. I stand with all those affected by this tragedy and wish the survivors a quick recovery. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he wrote.
Kimani Ichung’wah
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 17 young pupils at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County. Our hearts go out to the grieving families, the school community, and all those affected by this devastating loss. No words can truly capture the pain and sorrow of such a tragedy, but we stand with you in solidarity and prayer during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in the days ahead,” he said.
According to K24 TV, 17 pupils have lost their lives in the morning fire.
Breaking: 17 Pupils Die in School Fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy pic.twitter.com/8T001ODWo0
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) September 6, 2024