- 17 pupils have been confirmed dead by police in Nyeri, after a tragic fire broke out at Hillside Endarasha Primary overnight
- Many others are being treated for severe burns, with the cause of the blaze still unknown
- The red cross, which is conducting rescue operations has expressed fear that the number of fatalities may rise as more bodies are being discovered
At least 17 pupils from Hillside Endarasha Primary in Nyeri County lost their lives after a horrific fire broke out at their school on Thursday night.
The heart-wrenching incident has left the entire community in shock as the death toll could rise, with over a dozen other students suffering severe burns and receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, with authorities scrambling to piece together the events that led to this devastating tragedy.
President William Ruto, in a solemn message on social media, described the fire as “horrific” and “devastating.”
He expressed his deepest condolences to the affected families, pledging a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
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“Those responsible will be held to account,” President Ruto assured the nation.
As the fire swept through the school, the horror of Kenya’s school fire epidemic resurfaced.
This latest tragedy adds to a grim history, with similar incidents haunting the country’s boarding schools over the years.
The memories of the 2017 arson attack at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi, which claimed the lives of 10 students, are still fresh.
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And even more chilling is the recollection of the deadliest Kenyan school fire in Machakos County, where 67 students perished over two decades ago.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed that the bodies recovered from the scene were “burnt beyond recognition.”
She warned that more bodies might be discovered as the investigation continues, casting a dark shadow over the already grieving community.
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The Kenya Red Cross has stepped in, offering psychosocial support to pupils, teachers, and families, while also setting up a tracing desk at the school to assist in the identification of victims.
