The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has expressed deep condolences to the families of the 17 students who tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County.
In a heartfelt statement, the union mourned the tragic loss of the young learners and wished a speedy recovery to those who are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
KNUT also urged the public and the affected families to remain calm as the government conducts its investigation into the cause of the fire.
“It is truly heartbreaking to lose our children in such a tragic manner. We appeal for calm among the public and the families affected, as we call on the government’s security agencies to carry out a thorough and swift investigation to determine the cause of the fire,” the statement read.
The union also extended prayers and well wishes to the injured students who are fighting for their lives in various hospitals across Nyeri County and beyond, hoping for their quick recovery and return to normal school life.
The fire, which broke out at 11 p.m. in the boys’ dormitory housing 152 students, claimed the lives of 17 learners. Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Mirigu confirmed the incident, stating that the fire began on Thursday night and was finally contained by 3 a.m. on Friday.
Commissioner Mirigu noted that some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition, prompting a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to be dispatched from Nairobi to assist in identifying the bodies. Additionally, the process of tracing missing students was initiated, as some parents had taken their children home when the fire started.
Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga also addressed the tragedy, announcing the launch of an investigation and extending his condolences to the school and the affected families, describing the incident as a significant loss to the nation.
