By Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua today led the nation to bid farewell to 21 pupils of Hillside Endarasha Academy.
The pupils succumbed to the raging fire that gutted down their dormitory at night a few days ago.
The cause of the fire is up yet to be known.
President William Ruto was in China when this tragic incident happened.
In a statement containing his message of condolences to the affected families he sent soon after, the President expressed his heart felt sorrow and grief.
He immediately directed security agencies to commence the investigations.
He has since been receiving timely briefings on this matter.
During a recent church service he attended in Nyeri town, the President once again revisited this matter.
We lost our young children in this area at Endarasha Academy.
Let me once again take this opportunity to console the parents and guardians.
We will continue to stand with you during this trying moment and the government will offer you all the necessary support.
As your President, I want to assure this will not happen again. My government is going to ensure all safety measures in schools are enforced to the letter and spirit.
Today’s funeral service was held at a time when President Ruto is away in the United State of America (USA) where he is representing Kenya at the 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
His message of condolences was read by deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who stated he was there to represent his boss President William Ruto before he started reading it.
This message clearly demonstrated the President had been deeply touched and he shared the pain and sorrow with the bereaved families.
The funeral service was also attended by Azimio leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa.
While conveying former President Kenyatta’s consolation message, the duo said they were also there to represent Kenyatta.
The politics of Mountain could not escape the mind of the two leaders and they briefly stated. There is no cause for alarm. Our presence here is a clear demonstration that Mountain Kenya region is still strong. The deputy President is also here.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer And Social Commentator Based In Nairobi