Kindiki warns against false claims on Endarasha school fire, calls for sensitivity

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has warned Kenyans, particularly social media users, against spreading false or inciting information relating to the tragic fire incident at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri.

His caution follows unverified rumours circulating online that 70 children remain unaccounted for, days after the incident, and claims that the government is withholding information.

Speaking on Thursday at the school where investigations are ongoing, Kindiki insisted that the government has been transparent about the incident and that any information related to it will be shared in a coordinated manner.

Kindiki clarified that the school has 843 registered pupils, including 330 boarders — 164 boys and 166 girls. He said the boys' dormitory which was destroyed in the fire housed 164 pupils. Of these, he said 143 are alive with three still receiving medical treatment, while 21 lost their lives.

“As you are aware, the dormitory that burnt down was a boys’ dormitory. Out of the 164 boys, 143 are alive, and 140 are now with their parents. Three are still receiving treatment,” the CS said, dismissing claims that the government was concealing the real numbers.

He reassured the public that there was no intention to hide details about the tragedy but stressed that sensitive issues like national security must be handled responsibly.

“I have seen some alarming statements on social media and we have made it very clear that we have nothing to hide. We will provide information every day, but we have only asked that it is released in a coordinated manner, accurately, and as verifiable as it can get,” he said.

The Interior CS emphasised that incidents like the Hillside Endarasha tragedy should be treated with the utmost seriousness due to their impact on national security.

He explained that this is why his presence at the scene of the tragedy has been constant, underlining the gravity of the situation.

He urged social media users to approach matters of national security with greater sensitivity, particularly when it comes to issues as serious as the death of children.

“I want to appeal to the people of Kenya, including those on social media, to take matters of national security with a little more sensitivity. We can joke about many things, which is good, but when it comes to serious things like deaths, you would be heartless to cast aspersions or make it look like it’s a matter for banter,” he said.

Kindiki also assured the parents of the affected pupils that the government is fully supporting them in their time of grief.

He pledged that justice would be served, and the truth about the cause of the fire would be uncovered.

“This is not the time to bring in trivialities. The government regrets the tragedy that struck our children at Hillside Endarasha. The government will support the families to ensure there is justice and closure and to establish the truth. If it was caused by a person, we will pursue (him or her) and get justice on behalf of the people,” he said.