KNUT mourns 17 children killed in Hillside Endarasha fire tragedy

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a message of condolences to the families of the 17 learners who tragically lost their lives to an inferno at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County.

In their statement, the union regretted the tragic death of the minors, wishing a quick recovery to those undergoing treatment for the injuries they sustained during the unfortunate incident.

The union additionally called for calm among members of the public and the families affected as the government investigated the incident.

“It is unfortunate that we can lose our children through such incidences today. We call upon calm among members of the public and the affected families as we implore the government’s security apparatus to conduct speedy investigations that will unearth the cause of the fire,” the statement reads in parts.

“We equally pray for those learners who sustained burns and are battling for their lives in different hospitals within Nyeri County and beyond. We pray that they get a quick recovery and resume their normal learning lives.”

17 learners were confirmed dead after the 11 pm fire incident at the boys’ dormitory that housed 152 boys.

Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Mirigu while confirming the incident noted that the fire started on Thursday at 11 pm, but was contained on Friday at 3 am.

At the time of confirmation, Murugu noted that some pupils had been burnt beyond recognition and a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been dispatched to identify them.

“We have the DCI team coming from Nairobi to help in identifying the bodies of those who were burnt beyond recognition, and we have also started the tracing process of those who are missing as some of the parents from the area came for the children when the fire started,” Murugu said at the time.

The county governor Mutahi Kahiga also addressed the matter saying investigations had been launched, he also condoled with the school and affected families terming the tragedy a big loss to the country.