Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of 21 pupils from Hillside Academy, describing them as “full of potential and hope for the future,” a pain that he finds hard to articulate.
In a condolence message delivered by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Uhuru extended his sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy and the entire school community. “May God provide you with the strength, comfort, and peace needed to navigate this profound loss,” he stated.
He also wished a swift recovery to those still receiving treatment, praying for God’s healing as they work to recover both physically and emotionally from the traumatic experience.
The memorial service was attended by religious leaders from various interdenominational organizations, uniting the community in grief.
Nine of the 21 pupils who lost their lives in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire will be laid to rest today, Thursday. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga announced that these nine will be buried in their respective homes following the memorial service. Ten others will be interred on Friday, with the final two to be buried on Saturday.
“I want to inform you that after we leave here, we will proceed to the burials of nine students, followed by another ten tomorrow, and we will conclude with the remaining two on Saturday,” Kahiga shared during the interdenominational memorial service held in Nyeri.
The governor mentioned that the committee responsible for coordinating the response since the tragedy occurred on September 6 will hold its final meeting on Monday.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were also present at the service, honoring the memory of the young victims.
The fire, which broke out in the dormitory of the boarding school, tragically claimed the lives of boys who were sleeping at the time. Over 150 pupils were in the dormitory when the blaze erupted on September 5.