Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is scheduled to start the process of identifying the remains of students who tragically lost their lives in a fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy.
According to Pius Murugu, the Nyeri County Commissioner, the bodies are currently at Naromoru Level 4 Hospital, and the identification will commence on Monday 9, September 2024.
Murugu further explained that the DCI would be spearheading the procedure, noting that it will be a challenging and lengthy task due to the extent of the damage, as the bodies were severely burned, making recognition difficult.
“Many more students are missing but that process will start tomorrow at Naromoru. It’s going to be a long process and we hope to have it concluded soon,” Murugu said.
Murugu also announced that the government will cover all medical expenses for students currently receiving treatment in various hospitals and will oversee the funeral arrangements for those who lost their lives in the fire.
In addition, he mentioned that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, plans are underway to hold a meeting aimed at reopening the school promptly to ensure students can sit for their national exams this term.
“Even though boarding will be delayed, day school will continue as we make plans for the boarding part,” he added.
As investigations continue into the devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, new information suggests that the blaze, which claimed the lives of 21 pupils, may have been caused by an electrical fault.
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A parent of one of the survivors, speaking anonymously, shared that the fire likely began near the main entrance of the dormitory, which housed pupils from Grades 5 to 8. The parent described how sparks from a bulb near the door may have triggered the fire.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have directed the police to investigate whether negligence or recklessness played a role in the tragedy.
They emphasized that anyone found responsible would face legal consequences. The fire, which broke out around midnight on Thursday, quickly engulfed the dormitory where over 150 boys, aged 9 to 13, were sleeping.
