Parents and guardians at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri were deeply emotional as they viewed the remnants of the dormitory where their children had been staying.
A mysterious fire swept through the 156-bed hostel at around 11 pm on Thursday while the boys at the mixed boarding private primary school were asleep.
By Friday morning, 17 boys were confirmed dead.
Parents were seen weeping uncontrollably as they arrived at the school to check on their children.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who visited the school, reported that 86 boys had been accounted for by Friday evening, including 27 who were hospitalized.
He noted that 70 pupils were still “not yet accounted for” and urged parents who had picked up their children, as well as neighbors who assisted those who fled, to report to the authorities.
President William Ruto has directed that an investigation into the “horrific incident” be conducted and that those responsible be held accountable.
During his visit, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki assured that government agencies are being deployed to support the affected families.
“The government guarantees full accountability for anyone whose actions or inactions contributed to this tragic loss,” he stated.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions has called on the police to expedite their investigation, emphasizing the need to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent future tragedies.
