The 21 children we lost in Hillside Endarasha fire tragedy

A tragic fire at the Hillside Endarasha school dormitory claimed the lives of 21 children on September 5.

At a memorial service held today at Mweiga Stadium in Nyeri, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos honored the victims by solemnly reading out their names, paying tribute to the young lives lost in the disaster.

Additionally, the victims' names were read out and their attributes shared as follows:

Earnest Mwangi (talented and visionary), Emmanuel Kiragu (outstanding and realistic), Lewis Maina (brilliant and organised), Michael Muriithi (artistic and quiet), John Munga Githinji (God-fearing and warm-hearted), Bernard Warutere Kuria (influential and approachable), Robinson Theuri Kamitha (diligent and generous), Collins Muriithi Wachira (confident and lively), Royvictor Muturi Chege (enthusiastic and responsible), John Komu Njuguna (outgoing and adventurous), Samvin Munene Maina (cheerful and well-groomed), Timothy Weru Gathogo (kindhearted and jovial), Kent Mungai Mwangi (compassionate and industrious) and Ferdinard Kariuki Wachira (humble and innovative).

Others are; Kevin Kabogo Njogu (social and ambitious), Travis John Kariuki (humble and well-mannered), Roybrandon Mugo Gikonyo (empathetic and hardworking), Lewis Machira Gakuu (curious and gentle), Timothy Wamae Githinji (persistent and reserved), Emmanuel Maina Githinji (creative and calm) and Success King'ori Wanjau (responsible and disciplined).

Earnest Mwangi was a Grade 5 student, while the rest were in Grades 6, 7, or 8.

In his condolence message, Migos said, “I have read the names of these children because they are not just numbers or statistics. We need to remember their names.”

He also assured that the government was committed to determining the  cause of the fire and would take action against anyone found responsible.

Nine of the students will be laid to rest today, ten tomorrow, and the final two on Saturday.

Several leaders attended the service, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga.

Governor Kahiga announced that the 143 students who survived the fire would receive dignity kits before returning to school.