It was an emotional day for parents and guardians of the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri. The parents, guardians, and government officials congregated for a memorial service of their children who passed away in the wake of a night fire at the school.
The fire, which erupted in the school’s dormitory on the night of September 6, sent shockwaves throughout the nation. More than 150 pupils were in the dormitory when it caught fire on September 5.
The Memorial Service
Parents could not hold themselves as they broke down. Some mothers whose children were still missing child were all in tears as a somber mood engulfed the place.
Dozens of children, carrying floral wreaths, led funeral processions for the boys from Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri town, who were aged between nine and 13.
As the hearses carrying the children’s bodies arrived, an atmosphere of profound grief enveloped the crowd.
The memorial service was held at Mweiga Stadium and was filled with mourners dressed in black. People came from far and wide to pay their respects and support the affected families.
Attendance and Speeches
Those in attendance included Deputy President, Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga, and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogambo, among other leaders.
“These young souls, innocent young boys, our heart cries for them. When you look at them, they are innocent. They are no more,” Gachagua said.
The governor assured the families of government assistance and thorough investigations into the cause of the fire and take measures to mitigate future accidents.
The identification process for the victims has been completed through DNA matching, enabling families to view the bodies before the funeral service.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) continues to investigate the cause of the fire, with officials still gathering witness statements.
The PCEA moderator Thegu Mutahi offered words of encouragement to the grieving parents, reciting Jonathan Kariara’s poignant poem, Grass Will Grow, which speaks to the sorrow of losing a child.
Way Forward For The School
David Kinyua, the school manager and owner, has announced plans to resume classes after they put everything behind them. He however noted that the school cannot accommodate many students and the boarding school will now host 195 students, down from 300.
Also, students living nearby will give way to those who stay far away, to board in the institution once classes resume.
David Kinyua asked Kenyans to pray for their fraternity after the tragic incident, that left the whole country shaken.
“The loss of these young lives is not going to be in vain. As a ministry, we have made the decision that this has to be the turning point,” said Education Minister Julius Migos Ogamba, who attended the memorial.
It is not yet known what caused the blaze. However, researchers say many similar fires have been set by students protesting harsh rules and poor safety conditions.
Some parents will bury their deceased children today, but others maintain that they will do it on Friday and Saturday.
Acting Nyeri Regional Commissioner, Pius Murugu, said logistical problems have forced organisers to push the event to Thursday. It was initially set for Wednesday. The service ended by noon and the bodies were released to the parents for burial and other arrangements.
