PHOTOS: Memorial service for Endarasha school fire victims held in Nyeri
Central
By
Kibata Kihu
| Sep 26, 2024
The interdenominational memorial service for the 21 learners who died in a fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri was today held at the Mweiga Stadium.
The service took place in Kieni West approximately 24 Kilometres away from Endarasha Hillside Academy where the tragedy happened.
One of the school’s dormitories which had housed 156 boys was gutted down by fire on September 6 leaving the 21 learners dead.
The service came nearly a week after government pathologist Johansen Oduor confirmed that the DNA samples of the victims had been run and matched with their parents.
"We have received the results of the 21 pupils who died in the tragedy, and they have positively matched with those of their parents," he said.
READ MORE
NSSF eyes double growth as it turns 60
Legal win for firm in Marsabit wind power project standoff
Political class blamed for 'lukewarm' financial crimes fight
Standard Group CEO feted among 2025's Most Influential CEOs
Firms list key products with export potential
Direct flights, SGR extension and trade top list of Ruto, Jinping deals
Spirit of Ruto's China trip amid Trump tariffs and need for caution
Jubilee Life Insurance posts Sh2.1b net profit
Kenyan businesses urged to tap into lucrative Chinese market
"Assassin's Creed" games maker Ubisoft accused of illegal data collection
At the venue, 21 caskets bearing the remains of victims had been lined up capturing the reality and exposing what happened on the fateful dark night.
Families, relatives and friends were in a sorrowful mood, tears rolling freely on their faces as they came to terms with the loss, sadness and depression.
Kenya Red Cross personnel set up several tents to offer physical social support sessions while volunteers are giving backup support.
The Disaster Management Committee coordinated with the representatives of the parents of the victims and members of the Endarasha Hillside Academy.
According to Central Region Commissioner Pius Murugu, the service was scheduled to be concluded by 11:00am to allow the bereaved families to proceed with the burial of their kin to their final resting destination.
Although investigations into what triggered the fire are still ongoing, reports indicate that the ill-fated dormitory was infested by bed bugs.
Pupils who spoke to The Standard on anonymity said when they resumed school after the August holiday, they found bed bugs had run down the said dormitory.
“Every time we open we find it difficult to sleep for the first few days. We stay awake the whole night due to itchiness,” they said.
The learners said this forces them to use candles at night to scare away the bed bugs which mostly hide in the cracks of wooden beds.
Photos by Kibata Kihu.