Determined to Unravel Cause of Hillside Academy Fire, Acting IG Assures Public

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has reassured the nation of a thorough investigation into the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, which claimed the lives of 17 pupils. Addressing the public during a consultative meeting with Regional and County Police Commanders at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Kizingo, Mombasa, Masengeli emphasized the commitment of the National Police Service (NPS) to uncover the cause of the devastating fire.

“The unfortunate tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri is already being investigated, and we will provide a comprehensive update once the investigations are completed,” said Masengeli. He expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, highlighting the urgency of the matter and the ongoing efforts by the police to bring clarity and accountability to the tragic incident.

Deputy Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), John Onyango, has been tasked with leading the investigation. Onyango, accompanied by Martin Nyuguto, head of the homicide unit, and other experts from the disaster unit, arrived at the scene on Friday. Their primary objective is to unravel the circumstances surrounding the fire, including identifying who was present in the dormitory at the time of the incident.

The team, which also includes officials from Kenya Power, has cordoned off the affected dormitory and is meticulously combing through the debris. This collaborative effort is crucial in establishing whether electrical faults or other causes were responsible for the fire. The presence of officials from Kenya Power suggests that an electrical issue may be one of the angles under consideration. Forensic experts are also involved, given the need to identify some of the victims who were burnt beyond recognition. The affected pupils were from grades four to six, making this tragedy particularly heartbreaking.

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DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed that Onyango and his team, drawn from the homicide and forensic departments, are working alongside other units from Nyeri. The collaboration highlights the seriousness with which the government is approaching this investigation, ensuring that all resources are directed towards uncovering the truth.

As the investigation continues in Nyeri, Acting IG Masengeli also addressed security concerns in the Coast region. He assured residents that the NPS is actively tackling vices synonymous with the area, particularly the smuggling of contraband and illicit drugs through porous borders. “Operations have been significantly enhanced to ensure that the movement of trucks accessing the country is well managed, preventing the entry of contraband and illicit drugs from our neighbors,” stated Masengeli.

In addition to these efforts, Masengeli acknowledged the increase in petty crimes such as muggings and phone snatching in Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD) and its environs. He reassured residents that the NPS has put in place strategic measures to combat these crimes, and many perpetrators have already been arrested. “We call on the general public to offer any information that might assist the police in tackling these crimes,” he added.

Masengeli was joined in Mombasa by Mohamed Amin, Director of the DCI, and Eliud Langat, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to addressing both the immediate tragedy in Nyeri and the broader security challenges in the Coast region.

The tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy has cast a somber mood across the country, with many awaiting answers about the cause of the fire. Acting IG Masengeli’s assurances provide some comfort that the investigation is being handled with the urgency and thoroughness it demands. As the probe unfolds, the public remains hopeful that those responsible, if any, will be held accountable and that measures will be implemented to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.

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