- “We have called the parents, the reverend and education officers for prayers and talks to see how to resume normal functioning.”
- The director said they have a committee responsible for the children who lost their items in the fire tragedy.
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Hillside Endarasha Academy director David Kinyua has said he is saddened by the fire tragedy that killed 21 pupils at the school.
“I have been saddened by this tragedy. I was with them for 13 years and I did not expect this at any point,” Kinyua said in a video seen by the Star.
“Ni mimi nime kufiwa na watu wengi, naomba mungu tu na kila mtu atu shukilie na watu saidie na maombi ili tu pone haraka.”
(I have been affected by what happened. I request everyone to help us with prayers and ask God to help us heal soon).
Kinyua said they had also been allowed to start repairs.
"We were permitted to start repairs for the dormitory on Saturday," he said.
“We have called the parents, the reverend and education officers for prayers and talks to see how to resume normal functioning.”
The director said they have a committee responsible for the children who lost their items in the fire tragedy.
He said they also got a lot of help from well-wishers who offered to help the children affected during the fire tragedy.
"The affected children will not buy anything. They will get all the essentials they need. The well-wishers are willing to support them," Kinyua said.
He also thanked the DCI saying they are waiting for the report.
"I also thank the Kenya Red Cross for taking data and for the counselling sessions. They stood with us during that difficult time," the director said.
On September 6, a fire broke out in one of the dorms at Hillside Academy.
Following the incident, President William Ruto declared a three-day national mourning period.
"As a solemn testament to the indelible mark left upon the nation's consciousness by the spirits of the seventeen departed children, Kenya shall observe three days of national mourning," Ruto said in a statement.
The President said that the loss of children of tender years in such a manner is an unfathomable tragedy.
Ruto condoled with families that lost their children in the inferno.
"As they mourn and grieve, we commit them to the love and grace of the Almighty, for only He can give them the strength and healing that they need in this darkest hour of their lives."
The President sympathised with the students who survived the incident and the 14 boys who sustained injuries.
"The outpouring of grief across the country and beyond our borders reflects our shared humanity," he said.
According to the President, the children who perished were between the ages of nine and 13, in Grades 4 to 8.
Ruto said the loss evokes a unique sense of anger, bitterness, sorrow and emptiness.
He said the incident compels the government to ensure accountability in all schools across the country and to take every action to safeguard the lives of school-going children.
The President added that no child should lose their life in a place that is meant to be a haven for education, growth and social development.
He assured the affected families that every public medical resource would be at their disposal to ensure that all injured children receive the highest level of care.