The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has instructed the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County that claimed the lives of 18 pupils and injured over 27 others. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has sent shockwaves throughout the country, prompting a national outcry for accountability and justice.
In a statement released on Saturday, DPP Ingonga emphasized the urgency of the investigation, directing the Inspector General of Police to determine the circumstances that led to the devastating fire and assess whether foul play, negligence, or recklessness played a role. The DPP underscored the constitutional mandate to protect every child’s right to education, safety, and protection from all forms of harm as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
“The DPP has directed the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly fire and assess whether or not the tragedy may have resulted from negligence and/or recklessness of any responsibility holders,” read the statement from the DPP’s office. “The enquiry file is to be forwarded to the DPP for review to decide on possible charges.”
The fire, which broke out in one of the school’s dormitories, has raised critical questions about the adherence to safety protocols in educational institutions. DPP Ingonga highlighted the importance of compliance with the safety measures outlined in the Basic Education Act, the Children’s Act, and the Safety Standards Manual for Schools. These regulations mandate schools to implement stringent safety and protection protocols to safeguard students against such tragedies.
“The DPP expresses his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy, and wishes a quick recovery to all students who sustained burn injuries,” the statement added. “Unfortunately, this tragedy evokes bad memories of other similar school fire incidents which many times point to negligence and a failure by responsibility holders to not only prioritize the safety of our young children at school but also ensure that there is compliance with safety protocols under the relevant statutes.”
The DPP assured the public that any individual found culpable for the fire tragedy would be held accountable through the due process of law. The commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for the victims and their families was reiterated, with the DPP promising expedient criminal trials for those responsible.
President William Ruto has since declared a three-day period of national mourning in honor of the victims of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire. In a presidential proclamation issued on Friday evening, the Head of State announced that the mourning period would commence at dawn on Monday, September 9, and conclude at sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. During this period, the Kenyan and East African Community flags will be flown at half-mast across the country.
In his message of condolence, President Ruto urged educational institutions and stakeholders to prioritize the safety of students, noting that the tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy underscores the critical need for vigilance and strict adherence to safety standards. He called on school administrators and relevant authorities to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students in educational settings and the critical importance of safeguarding their well-being. As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely, demanding accountability and hoping for justice for the young lives lost and those forever changed by the tragedy.
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