- The scene has been preserved awaiting the homicide team. All response teams were sent to the scene to help the situation.
- Parents and guardians of the pupils have also been alerted.
Image: HANDOUT
Condolences are being extended to the 17 pupils who tragically lost their lives in a fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri, last night.
National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the incident with the Star. She said 14 other students sustained injuries.
One of the dormitories housing the students was razed down killing the 17.
The scene has been preserved awaiting the homicide team. All response teams were sent to the scene to help the situation.
Parents and guardians of the pupils have also been alerted.
Leaders have taken to their social media accounts to send condolence messages for the victims and the families affected.
President William Ruto:
"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. 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."
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua:
"I have learnt with deep sadness the tragic death of pupils of Hillside Endarasha Academy in a fire incident in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County. 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."
Raila Odinga:
"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."
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta
"The loss of young lives, full of potential and hope for the future, is a pain that cannot be fully described. My heart goes out to the families who lost their children and the school community deeply affected by this tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. May God give you the strength, comfort, and peace you need as you cope with this loss."
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."
Speaker Moses Wetang'ula:
"I join the nation in mourning the tragic and unfortunate death 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."
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru
"Words cannot express the distraught we feel over this unfortunate premature and painful death of our children at Hillside Academy Endarasha. It's a dark day. May God be the strength of their families for He does not leave us in this life nor abandon us in death."
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri, which claimed the lives of 16 young pupils. My heart break for the families who have lost their beloved children, and we extend our deepest condolences to them during this unimaginable time of grief.
"I also pray for the speedy recovery of the 14 students who sustained injuries and are receiving treatment. May they find strength and healing in the days to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire school community and the affected families."
Businessman Jimi Wanjigi
"I can't imagine the sorrow and loss the families of the 17 children who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire are feeling. May God protect our children and have mercy on us all.
My heart goes out to the school community—may God give you strength during this difficult time. My prayers are with those in the hospital, and may the children rest in peace."
Ministry of Interior
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni East, Nyeri County, last night. A team of DCI scene of crime officers, supported by the Government Chemist assisting in forensic analysis, has been dispatched to the school to investigate the cause of the fire, and the Police have cordoned off the area.
"Disaster response agencies, including the National Government Administrative Officers @ngaosKE, Kenya Red Cross and the National Disaster Operation Centre, are working to coordinate support for parents and the school community, offering aid and counseling services. Ministry of Education @EduMinKenya and health professionals from MoH are also on-site, providing specialized care and assistance. We wish a swift recovery to those injured in this unfortunate incident as we also review the security management of schools."
