At least 17 pupils have died in a fire that broke out in one of the dormitories at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni West, Nyeri County. President William Ruto has directed the appropriate authorities to look into what caused the fire.
The president said in a statement that individuals accountable for the incident will be subject to the entire legal system.
In addition, he sent his condolences to the families of those lost in the tragedy.
“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 speedy recovery to 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,” the head of state said.
National Police Service Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango verified the event, which happened on Thursday night. She also stated that 14 more pupils were hospitalized after suffering injuries and were taken to the hospital.
She affirmed that the fire’s cause has not yet been determined.
