Nation mourns: Nyeri honours 21 Hillside Endarasha pupils lost in dormitory fire

A sombre mood engulfed Mweiga Stadium on Thursday as Nyeri County held a memorial service for the 21 boys who tragically lost their lives in the Hillside Endarasha Academy dormitory fire.

The emotional event brought together parents, school staff, leaders, and members of the community who struggled to hold back tears as the coffins of the young victims were paraded before them.

Among the dignitaries present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang.

Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Jeremiah Kioni were also in attendance to pay their respects.

DP Gachagua read President William Ruto's tribute, expressing the government's deep sorrow over the loss of these young lives.

"We are pained by the loss of young lives in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy, which claimed the lives of boys who were hardworking and with a promising future," Ruto's message read.

The President emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the families affected and called for strict adherence to boarding school regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the Hillside Endarasha Academy fraternity," Gachagua read from Ruto's message. "May we be comforted by the word of the Lord in Psalm 34:18—' The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit," Ruto said

The DP also shared his reflections telling how on the day of the tragedy, it was hard for him especially to witness the site where the incident happened.

"I know it is not easy for parents to bear the loss of their children, but I assure you, the government stands with you," he said.

The DP went on to commend the people of Nyeri for the unity they had shown since the incident and reiterated the government's commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.

"As the President said, the Ministry of Education should take the necessary steps to avoid such incidents," Gachagua added.

Eugene Wamalwa, representing the DAP-K party and delivering a tribute from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta noting the loss of 21 Hillside Academy pupils "who were full of potential and hope for the future" as a pain that cannot be described.

"May God give you the strength, comfort, and peace that you need to cope with this loss," he said.

In his own condolence message conveyed by Wamalwa,  sympathised with the families of the affected and the school community emphasising the gravity of the tragedy, calling it one of the greatest national losses in recent memory.

Wamalwa's message echoed a Kiswahili proverb: "Uchungu wa mwana aijuaye ni mzazi," meaning that only a parent can truly know the pain of losing a child.

"The loss of these children, who were full of potential and hope for the future, is a pain that cannot be described," he  said, adding that the government should prioritize fire safety protocols in schools to prevent similar tragedies.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, addressing the parents, reminded them of the importance of faith during these trying times.

"My message to the parents is that God is still on the front. As we bury these children, without delving into political matters at this moment, we must focus on the fact that these are your grandchildren, Gachagua," he said, urging for prayers and peace in the country amid ongoing political tension.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga provided a schedule for the burials of the victims, announcing that nine of the 21 boys would be laid to rest after the service, with ten more to follow on Friday, and the remaining two on Saturday.

"I would like to inform you that once we leave here, we will have burials in nine homes. We will do so for another 10 pupils on Friday, and on Saturday, we will finish with the remaining two," Kahiga stated.

The tragic fire broke out in the early hours of September 5, engulfing the boys' dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy.

Over 150 pupils were in the dormitory when the fire started, and despite desperate rescue efforts, 21 young boys tragically lost their lives.

Governor Kahiga confirmed that the committee overseeing the response to the tragedy, which has been actively supporting affected families, will hold its final meeting on Monday, September 30, 2024  to assess the way forward.

As Nyeri County mourns the irreplaceable loss of these young lives, the nation has been urged to unite in prayer, reflecting on the need for improved safety measures in schools to prevent future tragedies.