Endarasha memorial service: Uhuru honours victims and offers hope to bereaved families

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent an emotional message to parents and pupils of Hillside Endarasha Academy following the fire incident that left 21 dead and several others injured.

In a message read out by former Defence Cabinet Secretary-General Eugene Wamalwa on Thursday, September 26, 2024, during the memorial service at Mweiga Stadium, Kieni Constituency, Uhuru expressed his deep condolences following the loss of the young lives.

The retired president indicated that he could not describe the pain the families were going through following the tragic fire incident.

“The loss of young lives full of potential and hope for the future is a pain that cannot be described. My heart goes out to the families who lost their dear children and the school community deeply affected by this tragedy of an unimaginable magnitude,” Uhuru’s message read partly.

He however wished a quick recovery to those who were injured following the fire incident.

“May God give you the strength, comfort and peace that you need to cope with this loss. I also wish a quick recovery to those injured children, praying for God’s healing and strength as they recover physically and emotionally from this traumatic event,” Uhuru added.

Other leaders

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka also conveyed his deepest condolences and called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to implement measures to would avert such tragedies.

In his message, Kalonzo proposed the name of the school to Hillside Endarasha Memorial Academy arguing that it would help remember the loss and push the country to implement safety measures in schools.

On his side, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga announced that a committee which was formed would ensure that all other students are supported to rejoin school when it reopens.

The Governor noted that they will offer them medical care and their lost items.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos on his part assured the country that his ministry would take punitive action against anyone who would be found culpable.

He further announced a nationwide audit of all schools in the country regarding the safety of the students.