President William Ruto has donated Ksh.2 million to Endarasha Hillside Academy in Nyeri, following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 21 students. The fire, which broke out in the school’s dormitory, has left the community in mourning and in urgent need of assistance.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday, as President Ruto was attending a church service in Nyeri. During his visit, Ruto expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and pledged financial support to help the affected school. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of our young lives,” Ruto said. “To assist the school in its recovery, I am donating Ksh.2 million. This money will be used to replace the items that were lost in the fire, ensuring that our children can return to their education without further hindrance.”
In addition to the monetary donation, President Ruto has vowed to facilitate the burials of the 21 victims. This commitment underscores his dedication to supporting the families who are enduring unimaginable grief. The president has assigned Kieni Member of Parliament Njoroge Wainaina to oversee the distribution of aid and ensure that all victims receive the necessary support as investigations into the incident continue.
The fire, which broke out in the dormitory, has been confirmed to have claimed the lives of 21 boys, two of whom succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The bodies of the 19 other victims were recovered from the charred remains of the dormitory. The blaze has also left a significant impact on the school’s facilities and resources.
Despite the government’s declaration that all missing students have been accounted for, the parents of the deceased boys remain in distress. State House Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura reassured the public that the school has accounted for all students. “Out of the 330 pupils in the school’s boarding facility—166 girls and 164 boys—all the girls have returned home safely to their parents, and all the boys have been accounted for. However, the parents of the 19 deceased boys have not yet identified their children,” Mwaura stated.
In the wake of this tragedy, autopsies are being conducted at Naromoru Level 4 Hospital to assist with the identification process. This is a crucial step in providing closure to the affected families and ensuring that all victims are properly recognized and laid to rest.
President Ruto’s intervention is part of a broader effort to support the recovery and rebuilding of Endarasha Hillside Academy. The president has indicated that, once the investigations into the cause of the fire are complete, he will work with the school’s director, David Kinyua, to develop a plan for the school’s restoration. “I will reach out to Director Kinyua after the investigations are finalized. We will explore ways to help the school recover and ensure that it continues to be a place where our children can learn and grow,” Ruto said.
The donation and support from the president are expected to provide much-needed relief to the affected families and the school community. As the investigation into the fire continues, the focus remains on supporting those impacted by the tragedy and ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
This tragic event has highlighted the importance of safety measures in schools and the need for continued vigilance to protect the lives of students. As the community comes to terms with the loss, the president’s actions provide a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the nation’s commitment to supporting its young people in times of crisis.
